Information recording medium, information recording method and apparatus, and information playback method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An information recording method for recording information on a recording medium, including providing a recording medium having first and second areas, the first area for recording ands reproducing video information, the second area for recording manager information, the manager information being referred to when the video information in the first area is reproduced, the video information including an object file for storing movie and/or still video objects, the manager information including video manager information containing information related to the movie and/or still video objects stored in the object file, the object file including manufacturer&#39;s information, the manufacturer&#39;s information including manufacturer ID and manufacturer&#39;s data, recording the movie and/or still video objects in the object file, recording the video manager information in a third area in the second area, and recording the manufacturer ID and manufacturer&#39;s data of a specific manufacturer in a fourth area in the object file.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording medium,the contents of which can be played back by a plurality of types ofinformation playback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers ordistributors. The present invention also relates to an informationrecording method and apparatus for recording information on suchinformation recording medium. Furthermore, the present invention relatesto an information playback method and apparatus for playing backinformation recorded on such information recording medium.

[0002] In recent years, optical discs as information recording mediahave been extensively studied and developed. Optical discs include a CD(Compact disc) that has prevailed, and a DVD (Digital Video disc) thathas a large storage size. The DVD includes a DVD-Video that canrecord/play back video information. The formats of information recordedon information recording media such as a CD, DVD, and the like arespecified by standards described in standard books. The manufacturers ofinformation recording media record information formatted according tothe standards on information recording media.

[0003] Information recording/playback apparatuses that recordinformation on information recording media and play back informationrecorded on the information recording media are manufactured by aplurality of manufacturers. However, as described above, sinceinformation is recorded on the information recording medium according tothe standards, similar playback results are obtained irrespective of themanufacturers of information recording/playback apparatuses. That is,information recording/playback apparatuses can neither differentiatefunctions nor provide their originality. As a result, the principle ofcompetition of the manufacturers does not work in term of functions, andtechnical development in the DVD-Video market may be disturbed.

[0004] Since information is recorded on an information recording mediumaccording to fixed standards, functions cannot be quickly expanded incorrespondence with advances of technologies. That is, in order to add anew function to an information recording medium, the standards must beupgraded in correspondence with the new function to be added. However,since much time is required for upgrading the standards, it is hard toadd new functions in quick response to the advances of technologies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the aforementionedproblems, and has as its object to provide the following informationrecording medium, information recording method and apparatus, andinformation playback method and apparatus:

[0006] (1) an information recording medium which allows to achievedifferentiation and originality of functions in units of models ofinformation playback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers ordistributors;

[0007] (2) an information recording method which records information onan information recording medium to be able to achieve differentiationand originality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

[0008] (3) an information recording apparatus which records informationon an information recording medium to be able to achieve differentiationand originality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

[0009] (4) an information playback method which plays back informationfrom an information recording medium on which information is recorded tobe able to achieve differentiation and originality of functions in unitsof models of information playback apparatuses provided by differentmanufacturers or distributors;

[0010] (5) an information playback apparatus which plays backinformation from an information recording medium on which information isrecorded to be able to achieve differentiation and originality offunctions in units of models of information playback apparatusesprovided by different manufacturers or distributors;

[0011] (6) an information recording medium which has a data structurewith high expandability of functions;

[0012] (7) an information recording method which records a datastructure with high expandability: of functions on an informationrecording medium;

[0013] (8) an information recording apparatus which records a datastructure with high expandability of functions on an informationrecording medium;

[0014] (9) an information playback method which plays back informationfrom an information recording medium on which a data structure with highexpandability of functions on an information recording medium isrecorded; and

[0015] (10) an information playback apparatus which plays backinformation from an information recording medium on which a datastructure with high expandability of functions on an informationrecording medium is recorded.

[0016] An information recording medium according to the presentinvention comprises a first area which records common information whichcan be commonly played back by a plurality of types of informationplayback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributorsand complies with common standards, a second area which records specificinformation which can be played back by only an information playbackapparatus of a specific type provided by a specific manufacturer ordistributor, and a third area which records link information indicatinga link between the common information and specific information.

[0017] An information recording method according to the presentinvention comprises the steps of: recording common information which canbe commonly played back by a plurality of types of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors andcomplies with common standards; recording specific information which canbe played back by only an information playback apparatus of a specifictype provided by a specific manufacturer or distributor; and recordinglink information indicating a link between the common information andspecific information.

[0018] An information recording apparatus according to the presentinvention comprises recording means for recording common informationwhich can be commonly played back by a plurality of types of informationplayback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributorsand complies with common standards, recording specific information whichcan be played back by only an information playback apparatus of aspecific type provided by a specific manufacturer or distributor, andrecording link information indicating a link between the commoninformation and specific information.

[0019] An information playback method according to the present inventioncomprises the step of: comparing ID information stored in an informationplayback apparatus side of a specific type provided by a specificmanufacturer or distributor, and ID information played back from aninformation recording medium, and playing back specific information,which is recorded on the information recording medium and can be playedback by only the information playback apparatus of the specific type, onthe condition that the two pieces of ID information match each other.

[0020] An information playback apparatus according to the presentinvention comprises ID information storage means for storing IDinformation, and playback means for comparing the ID information storedin the storage means and ID information played back from an informationrecording medium, and playing back specific information, which isrecorded on the information recording medium and can be played back byonly an information playback apparatus of a specific type, on thecondition that the two pieces of ID information match each other.

[0021] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferredembodiments of the invention, and together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the preferred embodimentsgiven below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0023]FIGS. 1A to 1F are schematic views showing the data structure onan information recording medium capable of recording/playback;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the directory structure of datafiles stored in a data area;

[0025]FIGS. 3A to 3J are schematic views showing the data structure inan AV file recorded on the information recording medium;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a view showing the recording locations of video objectsalong the sequence on the information recording medium;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the data structure in anallocation map table;

[0028]FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the data structure in PGCcontrol information;

[0029]FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing a playback example of videoinformation using a PGC;

[0030]FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the data structure in VTSI;

[0031]FIGS. 9A to 9F are views for explaining the VOB sequence orderaccording to VOBI;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram showing the arrangement of aninformation recording/playback apparatus;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing the arrangement(physical system) of the information recording/playback apparatus;

[0034]FIG. 12 is a view showing common information, specificinformation, and link information recorded on the information recordingmedium, and the relationship between the common information and specificinformation;

[0035]FIGS. 13A to 13C are views showing the contents of one linkinformation;

[0036]FIGS. 14A to 14C are views showing the contents that pertain todrive manufacturer ID information;

[0037]FIG. 15 is a view for explaining link pattern A;

[0038]FIG. 16 is a view for explaining link patterns B and C;

[0039]FIG. 17 is a view for explaining link pattern D;

[0040]FIGS. 18A and 18B are views for explaining category IDs in companyA;

[0041]FIGS. 19A to 19C are views showing the internal data structure ofedit control information;

[0042]FIGS. 20A to 2OF are views showing the link and time relationshipsbetween management/control information complying with standards and linkinformation;

[0043]FIGS. 21A to 21D are explanatory views of a method of setting adesignated location in “common information complying with standards”corresponding to each link information;

[0044]FIGS. 22A to 22C are explanatory views of the allocation of linkinformation;

[0045]FIG. 23 is a view for explaining the recording location (part 1)of specific information;

[0046]FIG. 24 is a view for explaining the recording location (part 2)of specific information;

[0047]FIG. 25 is a view for explaining the recording location (part 3)of specific information;

[0048]FIGS. 26A and 26B are flow charts each showing the processingsequence for playing back and each displaying using link information byan information recording/playback apparatus available from company A;

[0049]FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the processing sequence forsimultaneously recording common information, link information, andspecific information by the information recording/playback apparatus;

[0050]FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the processing sequence forappending link information and specific information to commoninformation already recorded on the information recording medium;

[0051]FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing the processing sequence executedwhen common information already recorded on the information recordingmedium undergoes an edit process;

[0052]FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the processes for recording commoninformation, link information, and specific information on theinformation recording medium;

[0053]FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the processes for playing backinformation from the information recording medium on which commoninformation, link information, and specific information have beenrecorded;

[0054]FIG. 32 is a view showing the correspondence between the datastructure built on the information recording medium, and the data shownin FIGS. 1A to 1F;

[0055]FIG. 33 is a view showing data contained in an RTR Video Manager(RTR VMG);

[0056]FIG. 34 is a view showing data contained in a Manufacturer'sInformation Table (MNFIT); and

[0057]FIG. 35 is a view showing the data structure of Manufacturer'sInformation #1 (MNFI#1).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] [1] Outline of Data Structure on Information Storage Medium

[0060] The recording information contents (data structure) ofinformation recorded on an information storage medium (Optical Disc orDVD_RTR disc 1001) that can record and play back video information andmusic information shown in FIG. 1A will be explained below.

[0061] The data structure of information recorded on the informationstorage medium (optical disc 1001) is roughly divided, in the order frominner side 1006 in FIG. 1B, into:

[0062] lead-in area 1002 having an embossed data zone whose lightreflection surface has an embossed pattern, a mirror zone whose surfaceis flat (mirror surface), and a rewritable data zone capable ofinformation rewriting;

[0063] volume & file manager information 1003 that records informationwhich is recorded on a rewritable data zone which can berecorded/rewritten by the user, and pertains to the entire file orvolume of audio & video data;

[0064] data area 1004 made up of a rewritable data zone that can berecorded/rewritten by the user; and

[0065] lead-out area 1005 made up of a rewritable data zone capable ofinformation rewriting.

[0066] The embossed data zone of lead-in area 1002 records in advance:

[0067] information such as the disc type indicating a DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM,DVD-R, or the like, disc size, recording density, physical sectornumbers indicating the recording start/end positions, and the like,which pertain to the entire information storage medium;

[0068] information such as the recording power and width, erase power,playback power, and linear velocity upon recording and erasure, whichpertain to the recording/playback/erasure characteristics; and

[0069] information such as the manufacturing number and the like, whichpertain to the manufacture of each information storage medium.

[0070] The rewritable data zone of each of lead-in and lead-out areas1002 and 1005 has a unique disk name recording field for eachinformation recording medium, a test recording field (for confirmingrecording/erasure conditions), and a management information recordingfield that pertains to a defective field in data area 1004, and aninformation recording/playback apparatus can record information on thesefields.

[0071] Data area 1004 sandwiched between lead-in and lead-out areas 1002and 1005 can record both computer data and audio & video data, as shownin FIG. 1C. The recording order, each recording information size, andthe like of computer data and audio & video data can be arbitrarilydetermined. Locations where the computer data are recorded will bereferred to as computer data areas 1008 and 1010, and a location wherethe audio & video data are recorded will be referred to as audio & videodata area 1009 hereinafter.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1D, the data structure of information recordedin audio & video data area 1009 contains:

[0073] anchor pointer for control information 1015: informationindicating the start location (start address) where control information1011 is recorded in audio & video data area 1009;

[0074] control information 1011: control information (corresponding toRTR.IFO shown in FIG. 2) required upon executing respective processes,i.e., video recording (audio recording), playback, editing, and search;

[0075] video objects 1012: video recording information of video datacontents;

[0076] picture objects 1013: still picture information such as stillpictures, slide pictures, and the like;

[0077] audio objects 1014: audio recording information of audio datacontents;

[0078] thumbnail objects 1016: information such as thumbnails used uponsearching for a location the user wants to watch or upon editing; and soon.

[0079] Video objects 1012, picture objects 1013, audio objects 1014, andthumbnail objects 1016 shown in FIG. 1D mean groups of informationclassified in units of contents (data contents). Hence, all pieces ofvideo information recorded on audio & video data area 1009 are containedin video objects 1012, all pieces of still picture information arecontained in picture objects 1013, all pieces of audio information arecontained in audio objects 1014, and all pieces of thumbnail informationused in video information management and search are contained inthumbnail objects 1016.

[0080] VOB (video object) 1403 shown in FIG. 3D (to be described later)indicates a cluster of information recorded in AV file (i.e., audio &video file) 1401, and has a definition different from that of videoobjects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D. Note that similar terms often have quitedifferent meanings.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1E, the contents of controlinformation 1011 include:

[0082] AV data control information 1101: management information whichmanages the data structure in video object 1012 or manages informationthat pertains to the recording locations on optical disc 1001 as aninformation storage medium;

[0083] playback control information 1021: control information requiredupon playback;

[0084] recording control information 1022: control information requiredupon recording (video/audio recording);

[0085] edit control information 1023: control information required uponediting;

[0086] thumbnail control information 1024: management information thatpertains to thumbnails (thumbnail object) used to search for a locationthe user wants to watch in video data or to edit; and the like.

[0087] Note that Control information 1101 and playback controlinformation 1021 shown in FIG. 1E correspond to RTR.IFO shown in FIG. 2.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 1F, the data structure in AV data controlinformation 1101 shown in FIG. 1E is comprised of:

[0089] allocation map table 1105: information which pertains to addresssetups along the actual layout, identification of recorded/unrecordedareas, and the like on the information storage medium (optical disc1001);

[0090] video title set information 1106: time information (correspondingto RTR_VMGI in FIG. 8) which indicates the overall information contentsin AV file 1401 shown in FIG. 3A, and includes link information amongVOBs, grouping information of a plurality of VOBs for management andsearch, a time map table, and the like;

[0091] video object information 1107: information (corresponding toM_AVFIT/S_AVFIT in FIG. 8) which indicates information pertaining toeach VOB in AV file 1401, and pertains to attribute (characteristic)information in units of VOBUs, and each VOBU contained in the VOB;

[0092] PGC control information 1103: information that pertains to avideo information playback program (sequence); and

[0093] cell playback information 1108: information that pertains to thedata structure of a basic video information unit upon playback.

[0094] The aforementioned contents are a brief explanation of the datastructure shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F. Some additional explanations of eachinformation will be given below.

[0095] Volume & file manager information 1003 records:

[0096] information that pertains to the entire volume;

[0097] the number of files of contained PC data, and the number of filesassociated with AV data;

[0098] information associated with recording layer information and thelike.

[0099] Especially, as the recording layer information, information 1003records:

[0100] the number of layers that form a disc (e.g., a single RAM/ROMtwo-layered disc has two layers, a single ROM two-layered disc also hastwo layers, and n single-sided discs are counted as n layers);

[0101] a logical sector number range table (capacity in units of layers)assigned in units of layers;

[0102] the characteristics (e.g., a DVD-RAM discs a RAM section of aRAM/ROM two-layered disc, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, and the like) in units oflayers;

[0103] an assigned logical sector number range table (includingrewritable area capacity information of each. area) in units of zones ona RAM area of each layer; and

[0104] unique ID information of each layer (e.g., to find out a discexchange event in a multi-disc pack). With this information, continuouslogical sector numbers can be set even for a multi-disc pack or RAM/ROMtwo-layered disc to handle such discs or disc as a single, large volumespace.

[0105] Playback control information 1021 records:

[0106] information that pertains to a playback sequence which combinesPGCS;

[0107] information (a sequence for continuously playing back allrecorded cells) indicating a pseudo recording location considering theinformation storage medium as a single tape like a VTR or DVC inrelation to the above information;

[0108] information that pertains to simultaneous playback on a pluralityof screens having different kinds of video information;

[0109] search information: information which records cell IDscorresponding to search categories, and a table of start times in agiven cell, and allows the user to select and directly access the videoinformation of interest; and the like.

[0110] Recording control information 1022 records:

[0111] program reservation recording information and the like.

[0112] Furthermore, edit control information 1023 records:

[0113] special edit information in units of PGCs (corresponding timesetup information and special edit contents are described as EDLinformation); and

[0114] file conversion information (which converts a specific field inan AV file into a file such as an AVI file that can undergo specialediting on a PC, and designates the storage location of the convertedfile).

[0115] Thumbnail control information 1024 describes:

[0116] management information that pertains to thumbnail objects 1016(designation information of the recording location of each thumbnailpicture in audio & video data area 1009 and a VOB or cell associatedwith each thumbnail picture, location information in a VOB or cellassociated with each thumbnail picture, and the like (the VOB and cellwill be explained in detail later upon explaining the contents of FIGS.3A to 3J)).

[0117] The directory structure of data files in the data area will bedescribed below.

[0118] All pieces of information are recorded in units of files in dataarea 1004 in FIG. 1B, and the relationship among data files is managedby the directory structure shown in FIG. 2.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of subdirectories 1451 arecontained within root directory 1450 to allow easy classification inunits of recorded file contents. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, datafiles that pertain to computer data recorded on computer data areas 1008and 1010 shown in FIG. 1C are recorded under subdirectory 1457 forcomputer data storage, and audio & video data recorded on audio & videodata area 1009 are recorded under rewritable video title set RW_VTS1452. On the other hand, upon copying video information recorded on aDVD Video disc or (DVD Audio disc) to the disc shown in FIG. 1A, dataare copied under video title set VIDEO_TS 1455, and audio title setAUDIO_TS 1456.

[0120] Control information 1011 in FIG. 1D is recorded as a single filefor recording/playback video management data. In the embodiment in FIG.2, that information has file name RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO (or real timerecording information; abbreviated as RTR.IFO). Furthermore, identicalinformation is also recorded as backup information with file nameRW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP.

[0121] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, all of video objects(RTR_MOV.VRO) 1012, picture objects (RTR_STO.VRO) 1013, audio objects(RTR_STA.VRO) 1014, and thumbnail objects 1016 are recorded as single AVfile 1401 (the file name in the embodiment in FIG. 2 is RW_OBJECT.OB).

[0122] Rewritable additional information 1454 (not shown in FIGS. 1A to1F) that can be used upon recording/playing back video information canbe simultaneously recorded. That information is recorded as a singlefile, which has file name RW_ADD.DAT in the embodiment in FIG. 2.

[0123]FIGS. 3A to 3J show an example of the data structure in an AFfile. As shown in FIG. 3B, entire AV file 1401 forms single VTS (videotitle set) (or RTR movie object RTR_MOV.VRO) 1402. VTS 1402 contains agroup of a plurality of VOBS (video objects) 1403, 1404, and 1405, whichare separated into a plurality of part_of_titles (or a plurality ofchapters) 1407 and 1408 in accordance with the contents of audio & videodata and the order of information recorded in AV file 1401.

[0124] VOBs 1403, 1404, and 1405 in FIG. 3D are defined as sets of audio& video data recorded in AV file 1401, and have definition contentsdifferent from video objects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D that primarily servethe purposes of classification items of video information/still pictureinformation/audio information/thumbnail information and the like. Hence,VOBs 1403, 1404, and 1405 in FIG. 3D record not only informationclassified into video objects 1012, but also information classified intopicture objects 1013, audio objects 1014, and thumbnail objects 1016.

[0125] Associated VOBs are grouped into a plurality of PTTs(part_of_titles or chapters) 1407 and 1408 based on information contentsrecorded in VOBs 1403, 1404, and 1405. That is, PTTs 1407 and 140.8 areformed as sets of one or a plurality of VOBs. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3C, PTT 1408 is formed by two VOBs, i.e., VOBs 1404 and 1405, andPTT 1407 is formed by one VOB 1403 alone.

[0126] Minimum basic units of video information are called VOBUs (videoobject units) 1411 to 1414, and data in VOBs 1403 to 1405 are formed assets of VOBUs 1411 to 1414, as shown in FIG. 3E.

[0127] MPEG1 or MPEG2 is prevalently used as the video informationcompression technique in VOBs 1403 to 1405. MPEG segments videoinformation into groups called GOPs in 0.5-sec increments, andcompresses video information in units of GOPS. Video informationcompression units of VOBUs 1411 to 1414 are formed to have nearly thesame size as that of GOP in synchronism with GOP.

[0128] Furthermore, VOBUs 1411 to 1414 are recorded while beingsegmented into sectors 1431 to 1437 in units of 2,048 bytes. Sectors1431 to 1437 record raw video information, sub-picture information,audio information, and dummy information in units of packs in the formof pack structures, i.e., V_PCKs (video packs) 1421, 1425, 1426, and1427, SP_PCK (sub-picture pack) 1422, A_PCK (audio pack) 1423, andDM_PCK (dummy pack) 1424. Each dummy pack size is 2,048 bytes. However,since each pack has a 14-byte pack header at the start of it, theinformation size recorded in each pack is 2,034 bytes.

[0129] Note that DM_PCK (dummy pack) 1424 is inserted for the purposesof:

[0130] addition of information to be additionally recorded after videorecording (for example, memo information indicating that after-recordinginformation is inserted into an audio pack and replaced by a dummy packis inserted in sub-picture information (a sub-picture pack) and isreplaced by a dummy pack).

[0131] The recording area of a DVD-RAM (DVD_RTR) disc as an example ofthe information storage medium (optical disc 1001) shown in FIG. 1A issegmented into a plurality of sectors. 2,048-byte data can be recordedper sector. In this DVD-RAM disc, recording/playback is done in units ofsectors (2,048 bytes). Hence, when a DVD-RAM disc is used as theinformation storage medium (optical disc 1001), the respective packs arerecorded in units of sectors 1431 to 1437, as shown in FIG. 3F.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, VTS (video title set or RTR_MOV.VRO)1402 is formed by a sequence of all VOBs 1403 to 1405 in AV file 1401.By contrast, a playback sequence described in playback controlinformation (pack control information) 1021 can designate an arbitraryrange in an arbitrary VOB, and can play it back in an arbitrary playbackorder.

[0133] Basic video information units upon playback are called cells1441, 1442, and 1443. Each of cells 1441, 1442, and 1443 can designatean arbitrary range in an arbitrary VOB, but cannot make designationacross a plurality of VOBs (one cell cannot set a range by linking aplurality of VOBs).

[0134] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3G, cell 1441 designates one VOBU1412 in VOB 1403, cell 1442 designates whole VOB 1404, and cell 1443designates the range of only a specific pack (V_PCK 1427) in VOBU 1414.

[0135] Information indicating a video information playback sequence isset by PGC (program chain) 1446, and is described by designating asingle cell or by link information of a plurality of cells. For example,in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3H, PGC (program chain) 1446 forms aplayback program as a link of cells 1441, 1442, and 1443 (therelationship between the cell and PGC will be described in detaillater).

[0136] VOBU 1403 in FIG. 3D can contain not only video information butalso audio information. In this case, VOBU 1411 that forms VOB 1403contains V_PCK 1421 and SP_PCK 1422 that construct a video part, andA_PCK 1423 and DM_PCK (for after recording) 1424 that construct an audiopart.

[0137] The video part is formed by a sequence header and GOP headercomposed of some contents on the start side of V_PCK, MPEG I-picturecomposed of the contents of a V_PCK group, a sequence end code composedof some contents on the end side of V_PCK, and sub-picture unit SPUcomposed of the contents of SP_PCK.

[0138] The audio part contains audio data to be played back insynchronism with still picture playback using I-picture of the videopart, and is comprised of one or more audio frames.

[0139] The contents of allocation map table 105 in FIG. 1F will bedescribed below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0140] As described above, the recording area of the DVD-RAM disc issegmented into a plurality of sectors, and logical sector numbers (LSNs)are continuously assigned in ascending order from the inner side.

[0141] A case will be examined below wherein video information isrecorded in data area 1004 of the information storage medium (opticaldisc 1001) in the following sequence.

[0142] 1. An area for recording AV file 1401 is assured in a continuousarea (a<g) from logical sector numbers (LSN) a+1 to g in data area 1004on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001).

[0143] 2. Data of VOB#1 1461 is recorded in a continuous area (b<c) fromlogical sector numbers (LSN) b+1 to c in the area for recording AV file1401.

[0144] 3. Data of VOB#2 1462 is recorded in a continuous area (d<e) fromlogical sector numbers (LSN) d+1 to e in the area for recording AV file1401.

[0145] As a result of the above processes in 1. to 3., three unrecordedareas “from a+1 to b”, “from c+1 to d”, and “from e+1 to g” in logicalsector numbers (LSN) remain in AV file 1401. When video information ofVOB#3 with a large data size is recorded in these unrecorded areas, thefollowing processes are required.

[0146] 4. Data of VOB#3 is segmented into a plurality of data incorrespondence with the unrecorded area sizes in the area for recordingAV file 1401.

[0147] 5. First segmented data 1463 of VOB#3 is recorded in a continuousarea (a<b) from logical sector numbers (LSN) a+1 to b.

[0148] 6. Next segmented data 1464 of VOB#3 is recorded in a continuousarea (c<d) from logical sector numbers (LSN) c+1 to d.

[0149] 7. Last segmented data 1465 of VOB#3 is recorded in a continuousarea (f<g) from logical sector numbers (LSN) f+1 to g.

[0150] As a result, unrecorded area 1460 “from e+1 to f” in logicalsector numbers (LSN) remains in AV file 1401. FIG. 4 shows thedistribution of physical recorded positions of VOBs in AV file 1401 as aresult of the above processes in 1. to 7.

[0151] As can be seen from the above description, when data in AV file1401 is partially erased or when new data is additionally recorded in anunrecorded area in AV file 1401, single VOB data must be segmented andrecorded at a plurality of locations like data 1463, 1464, and 1465 ofVOB#3.

[0152] Allocation map table 1105 shown in FIG. 1F shows informationindicating the distribution of physical positions of identical datadistributed and recorded in AV file 1401 in units of VOBs. FIG. 5 showsthe information contents of allocation map table. 1105 taking the dataallocation shown in FIG. 4 as an example. Allocation map table 1105 iscomprised of distribution information 1621 of positions of unrecordedareas, and a plurality of pieces of distribution information 1622, 1623,and 1624 of positions of recorded data in units of VOBS.

[0153] A cluster of data units having continuous logical sector numbersin each VOB will be defined as an “extent”. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, data of VOB#3 are recorded as three extents. In the aboveexample, since an area from logical sector numbers a+1 to b hascontinuous logical sector numbers, this area forms “extent#γ 1473”. Thatis, the recording positions of the data of VOB#3 are distributed tothree locations, i.e., extent#γ 1473, extent#δ 1474, and extent#ε 1475.

[0154] The position distribution information that pertains to unrecordedareas or each VOB in allocation map table 1105 shown in FIG. 5 recordsthe number 1601, 1602, 1603, or 1604 of extents at its first position.After that, first address 1606, 1607, 1608, 1609, 1610, or 1611 and size1614, 1615, 1616, 1617, 1618, or 1619 of each extent are recorded. Thefirst address is expressed by a “differential number” (or relativesector number) from the first logical sector number of AV file 1401.When each first address is expressed by a differential number, if theentire contents of AF file 1401 are transplanted to another informationrecording medium, information in allocation map table 1105 need not bechanged, thus improving file portability. In FIG. 5, the extent size isexpressed by the number of sectors. The extent size may be expressed bythe last address of each extent in place of the number of sectors inFIG. 5.

[0155] In the DVD-RAM disc (DVD_RTR disc) format, information indicatinga physical address on the information storage medium (optical disc 1001)is called a physical sector number (PSN), the entire address used by thefile system is called a logical sector number (LSN), and an addressdefined on the file system in data area 1004 in FIG. 1A is called alogical block number (LBN), thus distinguishing PSN, LSN, and LBN fromeach other. However, if this convention is always observed, thedescription becomes complicated. For this reason, FIG. 5 uses anexpression based on logical sector numbers (LSN) for the sake of easyunderstanding.

[0156] The contents of playback control information 1021 will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7B. PGC (program chain)control information 1103 in playback control information 1021 has thedata structure shown in FIG. 6, and the playback order is determined byPGC and cells. PGC is a unit that designates the playback order of cellsand executes a given playback sequence. On the other hand, each cellindicates a playback period that designates playback data in each VOB bythe start and end addresses, as shown in FIGS. 3D to 3F.

[0157] PGC control information 1103 is composed of PGC informationmanagement information 1052, one or more search pointers 1053 and 1054of PGC information, and a plurality of pieces of PGC Information 1055,1056, and 1057.

[0158] PGC information management information 1052 contains information(number of PGC information) indicating the number of PGCs. Each ofsearch pointers 1053 and 1054 of PGC Information points to the firstposition of each PGC information, and allows an easy search. Each PGCinformation 1055, 1056, or 1057 consists of PGC general information1061, one or more pieces of program information (PGI#m), one or morecell IDs (or CI_SRP#m), and one or more pieces of cell information(CI#m). PGC general information (PGC_GI) 1061 contains information(number of cell playback information) indicating the playback time ofPGC and the number of cells. Or PGC_GI 1061 may contain informationindicating the number of programs (PGs) and the number of searchpointers (CI_SRP) of cell information.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 7A, playback data are designated as a playbackperiod in units of cells from cell-A to cell-F, and PGC information isdefined in each PGC.

[0160] 1. PGC#1 exemplifies a case wherein it is composed of cells thatdesignate a continuous playback period, and its playback order iscell-A→cell-B→cell-C.

[0161] 2. PGC#2 exemplifies a case wherein it is composed of cells thatdesignate an intermittent playback period, and its playback order iscell-D→cell-E→cell-F.

[0162] 3. PGC#3 exemplifies a case wherein playback can be doneintermittently irrespective of the direction of playback or repetitiveplayback, and its playback order is cell-E→cell-A→cell-D→cell-B→cell-E.

[0163] Control information (RTR.IFO) 1011 shown in FIG. 1D or 2 containsnavigation data RTR_VMG (real time recording video manager)corresponding to control information 1101 and control information 1021,as shown in FIG. 1E. This RTR_VMG contains video title set informationVTSI (or information RTR_VMGI of RTR_VMG) 1106, as shown in FIG. 1F.

[0164] This information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 contains information used uponplaying back a sequence of VOBs 1403, 1404, 1405, . . . , shown in FIG.3D.

[0165] The data structure and contents of RTR_VMG in FIG. 1E (or RTR.IFOin FIG. 2) will be explained below with reference to FIG. 8.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 8, navigation data RTR_VMG (control informationRTR.IFO) is comprised of RTR video manager information (RTR_VMGI), amovie AV file information table (M_AVFIT), a still picture AV fileinformation table (S_AVFIT), original PGC information (OR_PGCI), auser-defined PGC information table (UD_PGCIT), a text data manager(TXTDT_MG), and a table (MNFIT) of information that pertains to themanufacturer.

[0167] RTR_VMGI contained in this RTR VMG corresponds to video title set(VTS) information 1106 shown in FIG. 1F.

[0168] This information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 contains VTS general information1751, VOB sequence information 1752, PTT information 1753, and VTS timemap table 1754, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0169] Put otherwise, this information (RTR_VMGI) 1106 contains a playlist search pointer table (PL_SRPT) corresponding to VOB sequenceinformation 1752, and a video manager information management table(VMGI_MAT) corresponding to VTS general information 1751.

[0170] Table PL_SRPT contains information 1756 indicating the number ofVOBs in VTS (or the number of play list search pointers and the endaddress of PL_SRPT), information 1757 indicating the ID of the first VOBin a VOB sequence (or first play list search pointer PL_SRP#1),information 1758 indicating the ID of the second VOB in the VOB sequence(or second play list search pointer PL_SRP#2), and the like.

[0171] Each play list search pointer (PL_SRP) contains information(PL_TY) indicating the type of a play list, PGC number information(PGCN) corresponding to this play list, information (PL_CREATE_TM)indicating the date of creation of this play list, information(PRM_TXTI) of primary text associated with this play list, numberinformation (IT_TXTI_SRPN) of a search pointer of item text used in thisplay list, and thumbnail pointer information (THM_PTRI) indicating athumbnail picture corresponding to the recording contents of this playlist.

[0172] The table (PL_SRPT) that contains these pieces of information1756, 1757, 1758, . . . corresponds to VOB sequence information 1752contained in VTSI (RTR_VMGI) 1106.

[0173] The contents of VTSI (RTR_VMGI) 1106 can be summarized asfollows.

[0174] That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the data structure in video titleset information (or RTR_VMGI) 1106 records:

[0175] video title set general information 1751 . . . This informationpertains to general contents of a video title set (or RTR data in AVfile 1401 in FIG. 2);

[0176] video object sequence information 1752 . . . In the datastructure shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J, serial numbers are set for all VOBSin video title set 1402 (=AV file 1401). This information describesserial number information of VOBs according to this sequence;

[0177] part_of_titles information 1753 . . . Object data recorded in AVfile 1401 are grouped in units of associated data for the purpose ofeach data management and search, and video title names are set in unitsof groups. The group (part_of_title) is formed of a set of VOBs. Thisinformation describes VOB information contained in each part_of_title;and

[0178] video title set time map table 1754 . . . This informationpertains to VOBU position information at specific time intervalsaccording to the video object sequence in relation to VOBs which areclassified into video objects 1012 and audio objects 1014 in video titleset 1402.

[0179] The detailed data structure in video object sequence information1752 is shown on the right side in FIG. 8. That is, the total number1756 of VOBs (or PL_SRPTI) contained in the video title set is recordedat the first position. After that, VOB_IDs (or PL_SRP#1, PL_SRP#2, . . ., PL_SRP#n) 1757, 1758, . . . corresponding to serial numbers arerecorded in the sequence (video object sequence) order.

[0180] The sequence indicated by video object sequence information 1752can be arbitrarily set by the user or information recording/playbackapparatus side in, e.g., “the recording order to AV file 1401 (ascendingorder of recording time)”, “the recording allocation order on theinformation storage medium (optical disc) shown in FIG. 4”, “the VOBsize order”, and the like. By sequentially determining the order of allVOBs in VTS (video title set) 1402, a user interface similar to a VTRthat records video data on a single table can be provided.

[0181] For example, the following processes can be done using videoobject sequence information 1752:

[0182] to search for a scene the user wants to watch by fast-forwarding(FF) or rewinding (FR) a tape;

[0183] to confirm the entire recording contents by fast-forwarding (FF)the tape; and

[0184] to search for an unnecessary recorded scene by fast-forwarding(FF) or rewinding (FR) the tape, and to overwrite new video informationon that scene.

[0185] The information contents of video object sequence information1752 shown on the right side in FIG. 8 will be explained below withreference to FIGS. 9A to 9F. A case will be examined first wherein VOB#Lto VOB#3 are recorded to have the allocation order on the informationstorage medium (optical disc) shown in FIG. 4, and this recording isdone in the order of 1. to 7. described in “description of allocationmap table contents”. FIG. 9C shows the sequence order which is set forthese data in “the recording order to AV file 1401 (ascending order ofrecording time)”. Compared to FIG. 4, the allocation order from extent#α1471 to extent#ζ 1470 has changed. “First VOB_ID 1757 in the videoobject sequence” shown in FIG. 8 designates “VOB#1 1461” in FIG. 9C, and“second VOB_ID 1758 in the video object sequence” designates “VOB#21462” in FIG. 9C.

[0186]FIG. 9F shows another embodiment designated by video objectsequence information 1752. VOB#A 1771 and VOB#B 1772 belong to (areclassified to) video objects (movie VOB information M_VOBI#) 1012, VOB#C1773, VOB#F 1776, and VOB#G 1777 to audio objects 1014, and VOB#D 1774and VOB#E 1775 to picture objects (still picture VOB group informationS_VOGI#) 1013. In this way, the sequence order can be designatedindependently of the VOB types. In FIG. 9F, VOBs (VOB#H 1778 and VOB#I1779) that belong to thumbnail objects 1016 are set at the end of thesequence.

[0187]FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the arrangement in theRTR video recorder. In this specification, reference numerals areindicated within blocks to save space.

[0188] The apparatus main body of the video recorder shown in FIG. 10 isroughly comprised of disc changer (disc drive unit) 1500 for rotatingone to be used of one or a plurality of information storage media(optical discs) 1001, and executing recording and playback of videoinformation with respect to optical disc 1001, encoder unit 1550 thatconstructs the video recording side, decoder unit 1560 that constructsthe playback side, and system controller (MPU) 1530 which incorporates aROM and RAM (semiconductor memory), and controls the operations of theapparatus main body.

[0189] Encoder unit 1550 comprises ADC (analog-to-digital converter)1552, video encoder (v encoder) 1553, audio encoder (A encoder 1554),sub-picture encoder (SP encoder) 1555, formatter 1556, and buffer memory1557.

[0190] ADC 1552 receives an external analog video signal+external analogaudio signal from AV input 1542, or analog TV signal+analog audio signalfrom TV tuner 1544. This ADC 1552 converts the input analog video signalinto digital data at, e.g., a sampling frequency=13.5 MHz and the numberof quantization bits=8. (More specifically, luminance component Y, colordifference component Cr (or Y—R), and color difference component Cb (orY—B) are respectively quantized by 8 bits.)

[0191] Likewise, ADC 1552 converts the input analog audio signal intodigital data at, e.g., a sampling frequency=48 kHz and the number ofquantization bits=16.

[0192] When an analog video signal and digital audio signal are input toADC 1552, the digital audio signal passes through ADC 1552. (A processfor reducing jitter superposed on a digital signal, a process forchanging the sampling rate and the number of quantization bits, or thelike without changing the contents of a digital audio signal may bedone.)

[0193] When a digital video signal and digital audio signal are input toADC 1552, these signals pass through ADC 1552 (for these digitalsignals, a jitter reduction process, sampling rate change process, orthe like that do not change their contents may be done).

[0194] When still picture information sensed by digital camera 1543 isinput in addition to the input video signals, it is directly input to Vencoder 1553 without the intervention of ADC 1552.

[0195] A digital video signal component output from ADC 1552 is sent toformatter 1556 via video encoder (V encoder) 1553. A digital audiosignal component output from ADC 1552 is sent to formatter 1556 viaaudio encoder (A encoder) 1554. Or a still picture signal directly inputto V encoder 1553 is sent from V encoder 1553 to formatter 1556.

[0196] V encoder 1553 has a function of converting the input digitalvideo signal into a digital signal compressed at variable bit rate onthe basis of the MPEG2 or MPEG1 specifications.

[0197] In digital camera 1543, still picture information is recorded inthe bitmap or JPEG format. By contrast, in the present invention, astill picture is recorded on optical disc 1001 in the I-picture formatof MPEG2. For this purpose, in the present invention, V encoder 1553 hasformat conversion functions of “bitmap→MPEG2”, “JPEG→MPEG2”, and thelike.

[0198] A encoder 1554 has a function of converting the input digitalaudio signal into a digital signal (or linear PCM digital signal)compressed at fixed bit rate on the basis of the MPEG or AC-3specifications.

[0199] When a digital video signal (for example, a signal from a DVDvideo player with an independent output terminal of a sub-picturesignal) is input from AV input 1542, or when a DVD video signal withsuch data structure is broadcasted and is received by TV tuner 1544, thesub-picture signal component (sub-picture pack) in the video signal isinput to sub-picture encoder (SP encoder) 1555. Sub-picture data inputto SP encoder 1555 is arranged into a predetermined signal format, andis then sent to formatter 1556.

[0200] Formatter 1556 executes predetermined signal processing of theinput video signal, audio signal, sub-picture signal, and the like usingbuffer memory 1557 as a work area, and outputs recording data thatmatches a predetermined format (file structure) to data processor 1536.

[0201] In case of digital broadcast, a video signal is transmitted inthe TS (transport stream) format of MPEG2. In general, when a videosignal is recorded on information storage medium (optical disc) 1001 inthe MPEG2 format, the PS (program stream) format is used. Hence, uponreceiving digital broadcast, the received signal is directly sent fromTV tuner 1544 to formatter 1556, which executes “TS→PS conversion”.

[0202] Standard encode process contents for creating the recording datawill be briefly explained below. More specifically, when encoder unit1550 shown in FIG. 10 starts an encode process, parameters required forencoding video (main picture) data and audio data are set. Main picturedata is pre-encoded using the set parameters, and optimal code amountdistribution for the selected average transfer rate (recording rate) iscalculated. Then, the main picture data is encoded based on the codeamount distribution obtained by pre-encoding. At this time, audio datais encoded simultaneously.

[0203] As a result of pre-encoding, if it is determined that the datacompression amount is insufficient (a desired video program cannot fallwithin information storage medium (optical disc) 1001 to be used), andpre-encoding can be re-done (if the source to be recorded is a sourcethat can be repetitively played back such as a video tape, video disc,or the like), main picture data is partially re-encoded, and thepreviously pre-encoded main picture data portion is replaced by there-encoded main picture data portion. With a series of processesdescribed above, the main picture and audio data are encoded, and theaverage bit rate value required for recording can be greatly reduced.

[0204] Likewise, parameters required for encoding sub-picture data areset, and encoded sub-picture data is generated.

[0205] The encoded main picture, audio, and sub-picture data arecombined, and are converted into the data structure of desired videoobjects.

[0206] More specifically, a cell as a minimum unit of main picture data(video data) is set, the configuration of cells that form a programchain, attributes of the main picture, sub-picture, and audio data, andthe like are set (some of such attribute data use information obtainedupon encoding the respective data), and management information thatcontains various kinds of information which pertain to cells is recordedin the management information recording area (control information 1011in FIG. 1D or RTR.IFO in FIG. 2).

[0207] The encoded main picture, audio, and sub-picture data aresegmented into packs each having a predetermined size (2,048 bytes).Dummy packs that can be used in, e.g., after recording, are insertedinto these packs as needed. Note that time stamps such as PTS(presentation time stamp), DTS (decode time stamp), and the like aredescribed in packs other than dummy packs, as needed. As for PTS ofsub-picture data, a time arbitrarily delayed from PTS of main picturedata or audio data in the identical playback time band can be described.

[0208] Data cells are arranged in units of VOBUs to allow playback inthe time code order of data, thus forming a VOB consisting of aplurality of cells.

[0209] Upon digitally copying video information from the digital outputof the RTR video recorder shown in FIG. 10, since the contents of thecells, program chains, management tables, time stamps, and the like aredetermined in advance, they need not be created again.

[0210] The arrangement for reading/writing (recording and/or playingback) information from/to optical disc 1001 comprises disc drive unit(disc changer) 1500, information recording/reproducing unit 101, memory1534, data processor 1536, and system time counter (or system timeclock; STC) 1538.

[0211] Memory 1534 is used to buffer a given amount of data to bewritten on optical disc 1001 (data output from encoder unit 1550) viainformation recording/reproducing unit 101, and to buffer a given amountof data played back from optical disc 1001 (data input to decoder unit1560) via information recording/reproducing unit 101.

[0212] For example, when memory 1534 comprises a 4-Mbyte semiconductormemory (DRAM), it can buffer recording or playback data forapproximately 8 seconds at an average recording rate of 4 Mbps. Whenmemory 1534 comprises a 16-Mbyte EEPROM (flash memory), it can bufferrecording or playback data for approximately 30 seconds at an averagerecording rate of 4 Mbps. Furthermore, when memory 1534 comprises a100-Mbyte, very small HDD (hard disc drive), it can buffer recording orplayback data for 3 minutes or more at an average recording rate of 4Mbps.

[0213] Also, memory 1534 can also be used to temporarily store recordinginformation when optical disc 1001 is used up during video recording,until optical disc 1001 is exchanged by a new disc.

[0214] When information recording/reproducing unit 101 uses a high-speedrecording/reproducing unit having a speed equal to or higher than doublespeeds, memory 1534 can also be used to store readout data exceeding anormal amount read out from the drive per unit time. When memory 1534buffers readout data upon playback, even when an optical head (notshown) has caused read errors due to vibration shock or the like,playback data buffered by memory 1534 can be used instead, thuspreventing a playback image from being discontinued.

[0215] If an external card slot (not shown in FIG. 10) is provided tothe RTR video recorder, the EEPROM can be offered as an option IC card..On the other hand, if an external drive slot or SCSI interface isprovided to the RTR video recorder, the HDD can be offered as an optionextension drive.

[0216] When a personal computer is used as a DVD video recorder bysoftware, the free area of a hard disc drive or main memory of thepersonal computer itself can be used as memory 1534 shown in FIG. 10.

[0217] Under the control of system controller (MPU) [incorporating theROM and RAM] 1530, data processor 1536 shown in FIG. 10 performs:

[0218] supply of a video information signal to be recorded from encoderunit 1550 to information recording/reproducing unit 101;

[0219] transfer of a video information signal played back by informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to another unit;

[0220] rewrite of management information (control information 1011)recorded on information storage medium (optical disc) 1001;

[0221] partial deletion of video information and management information(control information 1011 or RTR.IFO or RTR_VMG) as data recorded oninformation storage medium (optical disc) 1001; and the like.

[0222] System controller 1530 includes an MPU (or CPU), a ROM as an ICmemory written with control programs and the like, and a RAM as an ICmemory that provides a work area required for executing programs.

[0223] Of the execution results of system controller 1530, the contentsthe user of the RTR video recorder should know are displayed ondisplay/input panel 1548 of the RTR video recorder.

[0224] Note that the control timings of disc changer 1500, informationrecording/reproducing unit 101, data processor 1536, and encoder unit1550 and/or decoder unit 1560 by system controller (MPU) 1530 can bedetermined based on time data supplied from STC 1538 (videorecording/playback are normally executed in synchronism with time clocksfrom STC 1538, but other processes may be executed at timingsindependently of STC 1538).

[0225] Decoder unit 1560 comprises separator 1562 for separating therespective packs from video information with the pack structure recordedon optical disc 1001, memory 1563 used upon executing pack separationand other signal processes, video decoder (V decoder) 1564 for decodingmain picture data (the contents of video packs) separated by separator1562, sub-picture decoder (SP decoder) 1565 for decoding sub-picturedata (the contents of sub-picture packs) separated by separator 1562,audio decoder (A decoder) 1568 for decoding audio data (the contents ofaudio packs) separated by separator 1562, video processor 1566 forappropriately mixing sub-picture data from SP decoder 1565 with videodata output from V decoder 1564, i.e., superposing sub-picture data suchas menus, highlight buttons, superimposed dialogs, and the like on mainpicture data, and outputting them, video digital-to-analog converter(V-DAC) 1567 for converting the digital video output from videoprocessor 1565 into an analog video signal, and audio digital-to-analogconverter (A-DAC) 1569 for converting the digital audio output from Adecoder 1568 into an analog audio signal.

[0226] The analog video signal (analog video information signal) outputfrom V-DAC 1567, and the analog audio signal output from A-DAC 1569 aresupplied to an external component (not shown; a multi-channel stereosystem having two to six channels+monitor TV or projector) via AV output1546.

[0227] OSD (On Screen Display) data output from system controller (MPU)1530 is input to separator 1562 in decoder unit 1560, and is then inputto video processor 1566 via V decoder 1564 (not decoded). The OSD datais superimposed on main picture data, and they are supplied to anexternal monitor TV connected to AV output 1546. Thus, a warning messageis displayed together with main picture data.

[0228] The internal structure of information recording/reproducing unit(physical system block) 101 will be explained below with reference toFIG. 11.

[0229] <A> Functions of Information Recording/reproducing Unit

[0230] <A-1> Basic Function of Information Recording/reproducing Unit

[0231] The information recording/reproducing unit executes:

[0232] a process for recording new information or rewriting information(including erasure of information) using a focused beam spot on apredetermined position on information recording medium (optical disc1001) 201; and

[0233] a process for reproducing (playing back) already recordedinformation using a focused beam spot from a predetermined position oninformation recording medium (optical disc 1001) 201.

[0234] <A-2> Basic Function Implementation Means of InformationRecording/reproducing Unit

[0235] As means for implementing the aforementioned basic functions, theinformation recording/reproducing unit executes:

[0236] a process for tracing (tracking) a focused beam spot along atrack (not shown) on information recording medium 201;

[0237] a process for switching information recording/reproducing/erasingmodes by changing the limit amount of a focused beam spot with whichinformation recording medium 201 is irradiated; and

[0238] a process for converting externally input recording signal d intoan optimal signal to attain high-density recording at the low errorrate.

[0239] <B> Mechanical Structure and Operations of Detection Section

[0240] <B-1> Basic Structure of Optical Head 202 and Signal DetectionCircuit

[0241] <B-1-1> Signal Detection by Optical Head 202

[0242] Optical head 202 is basically constructed by a semiconductorlaser element serving as a light source, photodetector, and objectivelens (none of them are shown).

[0243] A laser beam emitted by the semiconductor laser element isfocused on information recording medium (optical disc) 201 by theobjective lens. The laser beam reflected by a light reflecting film orlight reflective recording film of information recording medium (opticaldisc) 201 is photoelectrically converted by the photodetector.

[0244] A detection current obtained by the photodetector iscurrent-voltage-converted into a detection signal by amplifier 213. Thisdetection signal is processed by focus/track error detection circuit 217or binarization circuit 212. In general, the photodetector is dividedinto a plurality of photodetection areas, and individually detectschanges in amount of light on the respective photodetection areas. Thesedetection signals undergo arithmetic operations of sums and differencesin focus/track error detection circuit 217 to detect focus and trackerrors. A change in amount of light reflected by the light reflectingfilm or light reflective recording film of information recording medium(optical disc) 201 is detected to reproduce a signal on informationrecording medium 201.

[0245] <B-1-2> Focus Error Detection Method

[0246] As a method of optically detecting the focus error amount, one ofthe following methods is often used:

[0247] Astigmatism method: An optical element (not shown) for producingastigmatism is placed in a detection circuit for detecting a laser beamreflected by the light reflecting film or light reflective recordingfilm of information recording medium (optical disc) 201, and a change inshape of the laser beam with which the photodetector is irradiated isdetected. A photodetection region is diagonally divided into four areas.Focus/track error detection circuit 217 calculates the differencebetween diagonal sums of detection signals obtained from the respectivedetection areas, thus obtaining a focus error detection signal.

[0248] Knife edge method: A knife edge for asymmetrically interceptingsome beam components of a laser beam reflected by information recordingmedium 201 is placed. A photodetection region is divided into two areas,and the difference between detection signals obtained from thesedetection areas is calculated to obtain a focus error detection signal.

[0249] <B-1-3> Track Error Detection Method

[0250] Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 has a spiral orconcentric track, on which information is recorded. Information isreproduced or recorded/erased by tracing a focused beam spot along thetrack. In order to stably trace the focused beam spot along the track, arelative positional displacement between the track and focused beam spotmust be detected. As the track error detection method, the followingmethods or the like are normally used:

[0251] DPD (Differential Phase Detection) method: A change in intensitydistribution of a laser beam reflected by the light reflecting film orlight reflective recording film of information recording medium (opticaldisc) 201 on the photodetector is detected. A photodetection region isdiagonally divided into four areas. Focus/track error detection circuit217 calculates the difference between diagonal sums of detection signalsobtained from the respective detection areas, thus obtaining a trackerror detection signal.

[0252] Push-Pull method: A change in intensity distribution of a laserbeam reflected by information recording medium (optical disc) 201 on thephoto-detector is detected. A photodetection region is divided into twoareas, and the difference between detection signals obtained from thesedetection areas is calculated to obtain a track error detection signal.

[0253] Twin-Spot Method: A diffraction element or the like is insertedin a light transmission system between the semiconductor laser elementand information recording medium 201 to wavefront-split light into aplurality of light components, and changes in amount of reflected lightof ±1st-order diffracted light components with which informationrecording medium 201 is irradiated are detected. Photodetection areasfor respectively detecting the amount of reflected light of +1st-orderdiffracted light and that of −1st-order diffracted light are placedindependently of the photodetection region for detecting a reproducingsignal, and the difference between detection signals from these areas iscalculated to obtain a track error signal.

[0254] <B-1-4> Objective Lens Actuator Structure

[0255] The objective lens (not shown) for focusing a laser beam emittedby the semiconductor laser element on information recording medium 201is movable in two axial directions in accordance with an output currentfrom objective lens actuator drive circuit 218. The objective lens movesin:

[0256] a direction perpendicular to information recording medium 201 tocorrect focus errors; and

[0257] the radial direction of information recording medium 201 tocorrect track errors.

[0258] As prevalent objective lens actuator structures, the followingschemes are used:

[0259] Shaft slide scheme: A blade integrally formed on the objectivelens moves along a central shaft. Upon moving the blade along thecentral shaft, focus errors are corrected; upon rotating the blade aboutthe central shaft, track errors are corrected.

[0260] 4-wire scheme: A blade integrally formed on the objective lens iscoupled to a stationary system via four wires, and moves in two axialdirections using elastic deformations of wires.

[0261] In either method, permanent magnets and coils are used, and theblade moves by supplying a current to the coil coupled to the blade.

[0262] <B-2> Rotation Control System of Information Recording Medium 201

[0263] Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is mounted onturntable 221 that rotates by the driving force of spindle motor 204.

[0264] The rotational speed of information recording medium 201 isdetected based on a reproduced signal obtained from informationrecording medium 201. More specifically, the detection signal (analogsignal). output from amplifier 213 is converted into a digital signal bybinarization circuit 212, and PLL circuit 211 generates a constantperiod signal (reference clock signal) based on that digital signal.Information recording medium rotational speed detection circuit 214detects the rotational speed of information recording medium 201 usingthis clock signal, and outputs the detected speed.

[0265] A correspondence table that stores the information recordingmedium rotational speeds in correspondence with radial positions whereinformation is reproduced or recorded/erased on information recordingmedium 201 is recorded in advance in semiconductor memory 219. Upondetermining the reproducing or recording/erasing position, controller220 sets a target rotational speed of information recording medium 201by looking up information in semiconductor memory 219, and informsspindle motor drive circuit 215 of that value.

[0266] Spindle motor drive circuit 215 detects the difference betweenthis target rotational speed and the output signal (current rotationalspeed) of information recording medium rotational speed detectioncircuit 214, and supplies a drive current corresponding to thisdetection result to spindle motor 204 to control its rotational speed tobe constant. The output signal from information recording mediumrotational speed detection circuit 214 is a pulse signal havingfrequency corresponding to the rotational speed of information recordingmedium 201, and spindle motor drive circuit 215 controls both thefrequency and pulse phase of this signal.

[0267] <B-3> Optical Head Moving Mechanism

[0268] Optical head moving mechanism (feed motor) 203 for moving opticalhead 202 in the radial direction of information recording medium 201 isprovided.

[0269] As a guide mechanism for moving optical head 202, a rod-likeguide shaft is often used. Optical head 202 moves using frictionproduced between this guide shaft and a bushing attached to a portion ofoptical head 202. Also, a method using a bearing that reduces thefrictional force using rotation may be used.

[0270] In the driving force transmission method for moving optical head202, a rotation motor (not shown) with a pinion (rotation gear) isinserted in a stationary system, and a rack as a linear gear that mesheswith the pinion is placed on the side surfaces of optical head 202,thereby converting rotation of the rotation motor into rectilinearmotion of optical head 202. As another driving force transmissionmethod, a linear motor scheme which inserts a permanent magnet in thestationary system, and rectilinearly moves optical head 202 by supplyinga current to a coil set on optical head 202 may be used.

[0271] In either of the rotation or rectilinear motor scheme, basically,a current is supplied to the feed motor to generate a driving force formoving optical head 202. This driving current is supplied from feedmotor drive circuit 216.

[0272] <C> Functions of Control Circuits

[0273] <C-1> Focused Beam Spot Trace Control

[0274] In order to correct focus or track errors, a circuit forsupplying the driving current to an objective lens actuator (not shown)in optical head 202 in accordance with the output signal (detectionsignal) from focus/track error detection circuit 217 is objective lensactuator drive circuit 218. Circuit 218 includes a phase compensationcircuit for improving characteristics in correspondence with thefrequency characteristics of the objective lens actuator so as to attainhigh-speed response of objective lens movement up to a higher frequencyregion.

[0275] Objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 executes in accordancewith a command from controller 220:

[0276] an ON/OFF process of focus/track error correction (focus/trackloop);

[0277] a process for moving the objective lens in the direction (focusdetection) perpendicular to information recording medium 201 at lowspeed (executed when focus/track loop=OFF); and

[0278] a process of moving a focused beam spot to a neighboring trackposition by slightly moving it in the radial direction (a directionacross the track) of information recording medium 201 using kick pulses.

[0279] <C-2> Laser Light Amount Control

[0280] <C-2-1> Switch Process between Reproduction and Recording/Erasure

[0281] Reproduction and recording/erasure are switched by changing theamount of light of a focused beam spot with which information recordingmedium 201 is irradiated.

[0282] The following relation generally holds for an informationrecording medium using the phase change scheme:

[0283] [light amount upon recording]>[light amount upon erasing]>[lightamount upon reproducing] and, the following relation generally holds foran information recording medium using a magneto-optical scheme:

[0284] [light amount upon recording]−[light amount upon erasing]>[lightamount upon reproducing]

[0285] In case of the magneto-optical scheme, recording and erasureprocesses are controlled by changing the polarity of an externalmagnetic field (not shown) applied to information recording medium 201upon recording/erasing.

[0286] Upon reproducing information, information recording medium 201 iscontinuously irradiated with light of a given amount.

[0287] When new information is recorded, light pulses of a given amountare intermittently superposed on the light upon reproducing. When thesemiconductor laser element emits light pulses in a large amount, lightreflective recording film of information recording medium 201 locallychanges optically or in shape, thus forming a recording mark. Wheninformation is overwritten on a region where information has alreadybeen recorded, the semiconductor laser element emits light pulses.

[0288] When already recorded information is erased, the informationrecording medium is continuously irradiated with light in a given amountlarger than that upon reproducing. Upon continuously erasinginformation, the amount of light to be irradiated is reset to that uponrecording at specific periods, e.g., in units of sectors, so as tointermittently reproduce information parallel to the erasure process.That is, the erasure process is done by intermittently reproducing thetrack number and address of a track to be erased, and confirming if anerror occurs in the erased track.

[0289] <C-2-2> Laser Emission Control

[0290] Optical head 202 incorporates a photodetector (not shown) fordetecting the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laserelement. Semiconductor laser drive circuit 205 detects any differencebetween the output (the detection signal of the amount of light emittedby the semiconductor laser element) from that photodetector and anemission reference signal supplied from recording/reproducing/erasingcontrol waveform generation circuit 206, and feeds back a drivingcurrent to the semiconductor laser on the basis of the difference.

[0291] <D> Operations Pertaining to Control System for Mechanism

[0292] <D-1> Start-up Control

[0293] When information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is set onturntable 221 and start-up control is started, processes are doneaccording to the following procedure.

[0294] (1) Controller 220 informs spindle motor drive circuit 215 of atarget rotational speed, and spindle motor drive circuit 215 supplies adriving current to spindle motor 204, thus initiating rotation ofspindle motor 204.

[0295] (2) At the same time, controller 220 issues a command (executioncommand) to feed motor drive circuit 216, which supplies a drivingcurrent to optical head drive mechanism (feed motor) 203 to move opticalhead 202 to the innermost peripheral position of information recordingmedium 201. It is confirmed if optical head 202 has reached an innerperipheral position beyond a region of information recording medium 201where information has been recorded.

[0296] (3) When spindle motor 204 has reached the target rotationalspeed, that status (status report) is sent to controller 220.

[0297] (4) Semiconductor laser drive circuit 205 supplies a current tothe semiconductor laser element in optical head 202 in correspondencewith a reproducing light amount signal sent from controller 220 torecording/reproducing/erasing control waveform generation circuit 206,thus starting laser emission.

[0298] The optimal amount of light upon reproducing varies depending onthe type of information recording medium (optical disc) 201. Uponstarting up, the lowest amount of light is set.

[0299] (5) Objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 controls to retractthe objective lens (not shown) in optical head 202 to a positionfarthest from information recording medium 201 and to make the objectivelens slowly approach information recording medium 201 in accordance witha command from controller 220.

[0300] (6) At the same time, focus/track error detection circuit 217monitors the focus error amount, and sends status to controller 220 whenthe objective lens has reached the vicinity of an in-focus position.

[0301] (7) Upon receiving the status, controller 220 sends a command toobjective lens actuator drive circuit 218 to turn on the focus loop.

[0302] (8) Controller 220 sends a command to feed motor drive circuit216 while the focus loop is kept ON, thus slowly moving optical head 202toward the outer periphery of information recording medium 201.

[0303] (9) At the same time, controller 220 monitors a reproduced signalfrom optical head 202. When optical head 202 has reached the recordingregion on information recording medium 201, controller 220 stopsmovement of optical head 202, and sends a command to objective lensactuator drive circuit 218 to turn on the track loop.

[0304] (10) An “optimal amount of light upon reproducing” and “optimalamount of light upon recording/erasing” recorded on the inner peripheralportion of information recording medium (optical disc) 201 arereproduced, and that information is recorded on semiconductor memory 219via controller 220.

[0305] (11) Furthermore, controller 220 sends a signal corresponding tothe “optimal amount of light upon reproducing” torecording/reproducing/erasing control waveform generation circuit 206,thus re-setting the amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laserelement upon reproducing.

[0306] (12) The amount of light emitted by the semiconductor laserelement upon recording/erasing is set in correspondence with the“optimal amount of light upon recording/erasing” recorded on informationrecording medium 201.

[0307] <D-2> Access Control

[0308] <D-2-1> Reproduce Information at Access Destination onInformation Recording Medium 201

[0309] Information that pertains to recording locations and contents ofinformation on information recording medium 201 varies depending on thetype of information recording medium 201, and is normally recorded in

[0310] a directory management region: a group of such information isrecorded on the inner or outer peripheral region of informationrecording medium 201;

[0311] a navigation pack: the navigation pack is contained in a VOBS(Video Object Set) complying with the data structure of a PS (ProgramStream) of MPEG2, and records information that pertains to the recordinglocation of next video data;

[0312] or the like in information recording medium 201.

[0313] When specific information is to be reproduced or recorded/erased,information in the aforementioned region is reproduced, and an accessdestination is determined based on the information obtained therefrom.

[0314] <D-2-2> Coarse Access Control

[0315] Controller 220 calculates the radial position of the accessdestination to obtain the distance between the calculated position andthe current position of optical head 202..

[0316] Speed curve information that allows optical head 202 to reach thetarget position in the shortest period of time with respect to therequired moving distance is recorded in advance in semiconductor memory219. Controller 220 reads out that information, and controls movement ofoptical head 202 by the following method according to the speed curve.

[0317] Controller 220 sends a command to objective lens actuator drivecircuit 218 to turn off the track loop, and controls feed motor drivecircuit 216 to start movement of optical head 202.

[0318] When the focused beam spot crosses a track on informationrecording medium 201, focus/track error detection circuit 217 generatesa track error detection signal. Using this track error detection signal,the speed of the focused beam spot relative to information recordingmedium 201 can be detected.

[0319] Feed motor drive circuit 216 calculates the difference betweenthe relative speed of the focused beam spot obtained from focus/trackerror detection circuit 217, and the target speed information obtainedas needed from controller 202, and feeds back the result to the drivingcurrent to be supplied to optical head drive mechanism (feed motor) 203,thus moving optical head 202.

[0320] As described in “<B-3> Optical Head Moving Mechanism”, frictionalways acts between the guide shaft and bushing or bearing. When opticalhead 202 is moving at high speed, dynamic friction acts. However, at thebeginning of movement and immediately before stop of movement, staticfriction acts since the moving speed of optical head 202 is low. At thistime, since the relative frictional force increases (especiallyimmediately before stop of movement), the gain of current to be suppliedto optical head drive mechanism (feed motor) 203 is increased inaccordance with a command from controller 220.

[0321] <D-2-3> Fine Access Control

[0322] When optical head 202 has reached the target position, controller220 sends a command to objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 to turnon the track loop.

[0323] The focused beam spot is tracing along the track on informationrecording medium 201 to reproduce the address or track number of thatportion.

[0324] The current focused beam spot position is detected from thereproduced address or track number. Controller 220 calculates the numberof error tracks from the target position to be reached, and informsobjective lens actuator drive circuit 218 of the number of tracksrequired for moving the focused beam spot.

[0325] When objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 generates a pairof kick pulses, the objective lens slightly moves in the radialdirection of information recording medium 201, thus moving the focusedbeam spot to a neighboring track position.

[0326] Objective lens actuator drive circuit 218 temporarily turns offthe track loop, generates kick pulses corresponding in number toinformation from controller 220, and then turns on the track loop again.

[0327] Upon completion of fine access, controller 220 reproducesinformation (address or track number) at the position where the focusedbeam spot is tracing, and confirms that the beam spot is accessing atarget track.

[0328] <D-3> Continuous Recording/Reproducing/Erasing Control

[0329] The track error detection signal output from focus/track errordetection circuit 217 is input to feed motor drive circuit 216. In theaforementioned “start-up control” and “access control”, controller 220controls feed motor drive circuit 216 not to use the track errordetection signal.

[0330] After it is confirmed by access that the focused beam spot hasreached a target track, some track error detection signals are suppliedas driving current to optical head moving mechanism (feed motor) 203 viamotor drive circuit 216 in response to a command from controller 220.This control continues during the period in which the reproducing orrecording/erasing process continues.

[0331] The central position of information recording medium 201 isslightly decentered from that of turntable 221. When some track errordetection signals are supplied as the driving current, entire opticalhead 202 moves finely in correspondence with decentering.

[0332] When the reproducing or recording/erasing process continues for along period of time, the focused beam spot position gradually movestoward the inner or outer periphery. When some track error detectionsignals are supplied as the driving current to optical head movingmechanism (feed motor) 203, optical head 202 gradually moves toward theinner or outer periphery in correspondence with the driving current.

[0333] In this manner, the load on track error correction of theobjective lens actuator is reduced, and the track loop can be renderedstable.

[0334] <D-4> End Control

[0335] When the operation is to end upon completion of a series ofprocesses, the processes proceed in accordance with the followingprocedure.

[0336] (1) Controller 220 sends a command to objective lens actuatordrive circuit 218 to turn off the track loop.

[0337] (2) Controller 220 sends a command to objective lens actuatordrive circuit 218 to turn off the focus loop.

[0338] (3) Controller 220 sends a command torecording/reproducing/erasing control waveform generation circuit 206 tostop emission of the semiconductor laser element.

[0339] (4) Controller 220 informs spindle motor drive circuit 215 ofzero reference rotational speed.

[0340] <E> Flow of Recording Signal/Reproduced Signal to InformationRecording Medium

[0341] <E-1> Signal Format Recorded on Information Recording Medium 201

[0342] As shown in FIG. 11, the information recording/reproducing unit(physical system block) performs “appending of an error correctionfunction” and “signal conversion of recording information(modulation/demodulation of a signal)” for a signal recorded oninformation recording medium 201 to meet requirements:

[0343] to allow correction of recording information errors resultingfrom defects on information recording medium 201;

[0344] to simplify a reproducing processing circuit to set DC componentsof a reproduced signal at zero; and

[0345] to record information on information recording medium 201 athighest possible density.

[0346] <E-2> Flow of Signal Upon Recording

[0347] <E-2-1> ECC (Error Correction Code) Appending Process

[0348] Information to be recorded on information recording medium 201 isinput to data I/O interface 222 as recording signal d in the form of araw signal. This recording signal d is recorded on semiconductor memory219 and, after that, ECC encoding circuit 208 executes an ECC appendingprocess as follows.

[0349] An embodiment of a method of appending an ECC using a productcode will be explained below.

[0350] Recording signal d is arranged in rows in units of 172 bytes insemiconductor memory 219, and 192 rows form one ECC block. For a rawsignal (recording signal d) in one ECC block formed by “row: 172×column:192 bytes”, 10-byte inner code PI is calculated for each 172-byte row,and is additionally recorded in semiconductor memory 219. Furthermore,16-byte outer code PO is calculated for each 1-byte column, and isadditionally recorded in semiconductor memory 219.

[0351] As an embodiment of recording such codes on information recordingmedium 201, a total of 2,366 bytes, i.e., 12 rows containing inner codesPI+1 line for outer codes PO:

(2,366=(12+1)×(172+10))

[0352] are recorded in one sector as one unit.

[0353] Upon completion of appending inner and outer codes PI and PO, ECCencoding circuit 208 reads signals in units of 2,366 bytes correspondingto one sector from semiconductor memory 219, and transfers them tomodulation circuit 207.

[0354] <E-2-2> Signal Modulation

[0355] In order to make the DC component (DSV: Digital Sum Value) of areproduced signal approach zero, and to record information oninformation recording medium 201 at high density, modulation circuit 207executes signal modulation as conversion of the signal format.

[0356] Modulation circuit. 207 and demodulation circuit 210 include aconversion table that indicates the relationship between an originalsignal and modulated signal. Modulation circuit 207 segments a signaltransferred from ECC encoding circuit 208 in units of a plurality ofbits in accordance with a given modulation scheme, and convertssegmented signals into other signals (codes) while looking up theconversion table.

[0357] For example, when 8/16 modulation (RLL(2,10) code) is used as themodulation scheme, there are two different conversion tables, which areswitched as needed to make the DC component (DSV: Digital Sum Value)after modulation approach zero.

[0358] <E-2-3> Recording Waveform Generation

[0359] When a recording mark is recorded on information recording medium(optical disc) 201, the recording scheme normally used includes twodifferent schemes:

[0360] mark length recording: “1” is located at the leading and trailingend positions of a recording mark; and

[0361] mark position recording: the central position of a recording markmatches the “1” position.

[0362] Upon executing mark length recording, a long recording mark needbe formed. In this case, when light with an amount required forrecording is kept irradiated for a predetermined period of time, a“raindrop”-like recording mark, only a trailing end portion of which hasa larger width, forms due to the heat accumulation effect of the lightreflective recording film of information recording medium 201. In orderto remove such shortcoming, when a long recording mark is formed, aplurality of divided recording pulses are used or the recording waveformis changed stepwise.

[0363] Recording/reproducing/erasing control waveform generation circuit206 generates the aforementioned recording waveform in correspondencewith a recording signal sent from modulation circuit 207, and sends itto semiconductor laser drive circuit 205.

[0364] <E-3> Flow of Signal Upon Reproducing

[0365] <E-3-1> Binarization & PLL Circuits

[0366] As described in “<B-1-1> Signal Detection by optical Head 202”, asignal on information recording medium 201 is reproduced by detecting achange in amount of light reflected by the light reflecting film orlight reflective recording film of information recording medium (opticaldisc) 201. A signal obtained by amplifier 213 has an analog waveform.Binarization circuit 212 converts that signal into a binary digitalsignal consisting of “1”s and “0”s using a comparator.

[0367] PLL circuit 211 extracts a reference signal upon reproducinginformation from the reproduced signal obtained by binarization circuit212. PLL circuit 211 incorporates a variable frequency oscillator. Thefrequencies and phases of a pulse signal (reference clock) output fromthat oscillator and the signal output from binarization circuit 212 arecompared, and the comparison result is fed back to the oscillatoroutput.

[0368] <E-3-2> Demodulation of Signal

[0369] Demodulation circuit 210 includes a conversion table thatindicates the relationship between the modulated signal and demodulatedsignal. A signal is restored to an original signal by looking up theconversion table in response to the reference clock obtained by PLLcircuit 211. The restored (demodulated) signal is recorded onsemiconductor memory 219.

[0370] <E-3-3> Error Correction Process

[0371] Error correction circuit 209 detects error positions from thesignal saved on semiconductor memory 219 using inner and outer codes PIand PO, and sets pointer flags of the error positions.

[0372] After that, signals at error positions are corrected as needed incorrespondence with the error pointer flags while reading out signalsfrom semiconductor memory 219, and are transferred to data I/O interface222 after inner and outer codes PI and PO are removed.

[0373] A signal sent from ECC encoding circuit 208 is output asreproduced signal c from data I/O interface 222.

[0374] <<1>> Expansion Information Use Method for Common InformationComplying with Standards

[0375]FIG. 12 shows the basic concept of the present invention.

[0376] For example, information recorded on an information recordingmedium (optical disc 1001) according to the standards set in a publicplace like DVD-Video is called common information 2001 complying withstandards.

[0377] Common information 2001 complying with standards is separatedinto object information or contents information 2012 which indicatesinformation of contents themselves of information such as videoinformation, still picture information, audio information, and the like,and management/control information 2011 for managing/controlling thatinformation. These two pieces of information comply with the standards,and can be played back and edited by any drivers (informationrecording/playback apparatuses) irrespective of their manufacturers.

[0378] When an original function beyond those specified by the standardsis provided by only a driver (information recording/reproducingapparatus) of a specific manufacturer, and information that pertains tothe original function is recorded on the information recording medium(optical disc 1001), such information 10 can be recorded on a recordingregion of specific information 2002 which can be used by only a specificmanufacturer. Specific information 2002 which can be used by only aspecific manufacturer is recorded on that region on the informationrecording medium (optical disc 1001), which is different from that ofcommon information 2001 complying with standards. Information thatpertains to contents themselves of information such as videoinformation, still picture information, audio information, or the likeof the information that can be played back by only the driver(information recording/playback apparatus) of the specific manufactureris defined by specific object information (specific contentsinformation) 2008 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.Information required for managing and controlling this specific objectinformation (specific contents information) 2008 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer is defined by management/controlinformation 2006 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.

[0379] Even the driver (information recording/playback apparatus) of thespecific manufacturer having the original function basically operatesaccording to function rules specified by the standards. Hence, thedriver (information recording/playback apparatus) basically executesoperations and processes using common information 2001 complying withstandards, and executes special processes by reading out specificinformation 2002 which can be used by only a specific manufacturer inonly a portion that requires a specific function. That is, a location ortiming requiring specific information 2002 which can be used by only aspecific manufacturer is set in association with the contents of commoninformation 2001 complying with standards. Information that indicatesassociation of specific information 2002 which can be used by only aspecific manufacturer with common information 2001 complying withstandards is defined as “link information 2003”.

[0380] The basic concept and objectives of the present invention aresummarized as follows.

[0381] A plurality of pieces of link information uniquely created byrecorders (information recording/playback apparatuses) of a plurality ofcompanies can be parallelly stored and used.

[0382] The need for ID assignment is obviated in a specific organizationin association with manufacturer ID information that sets linkinformation. As a result, no application for seekingpermission/authorization of the specific organization is required, and anew manufacturer can freely enter the market.

[0383] After video information is edited by a recorder (informationrecording/playback apparatus) of another company, the influence ofedited video information on link information can be detected by arecorder (information recording/playback apparatus) of the self company.

[0384]FIGS. 13A to 13C show information contents recorded in one linkinformation. The features of the information contents are summarizedbelow.

[0385] (1) One link information can simultaneously indicate a pluralityof link sources/link destinations:

[0386] When an identical original function (a function that can beimplemented by only a driver of a specific manufacturer) is to bedesignated at a plurality of locations in management/control information2005 complying with standards, such parallel links set at a plurality oflocations can reduce the number of pieces of link information required.

[0387] When a plurality of original functions (functions that can beimplemented by only a driver of a specific manufacturer) are to bedesignated at a single location in management/control information 2005complying with standards, such parallel links set at a plurality oflocations can reduce the number of pieces of link information required.

[0388] (2) A method of allowing parallel storage and use of a pluralityof pieces of link information uniquely created by recorders of aplurality of companies:

[0389] In the structure of the present invention, a plurality of piecesof link information can parallelly correspond to a single VOB or cell.Each link information records “last recorded/modified time (date)information 2061 of corresponding link information”. Also, each linkinformation records “drive manufacturer group ID information (ID of agroup formed by a plurality of manufacturers) 2034 of a drivemanufacturer group that can use specific information in association withthe corresponding link information” or “drive manufacturer IDinformation (drive manufacturer name or the like) 2035 of a drivemanufacturer that can use specific information in association with thecorresponding link information”, and the manufacturer name that can usethe corresponding link information can be detected from thisinformation.

[0390] (3) A method of obviating the need for manufacturer ID assignmentin the specific organization:

[0391] An example will be explained with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13C.

[0392] Manufacturer group ID information 2034, drive manufacturer IDinformation 2035, and model information 2073 (e.g., the oldest modelthat can use specific information) indicating models which can usespecific information are recorded as text information.

[0393] Furthermore, in order to cope with identical manufacturer names(related companies and the like), the link information further contains“additional information 2037 that pertains to this link information thata drive manufacturer can set”, and confusion can be avoided by setting,e.g., a password. As a text information recording method, “IDinformation 2033 of a character code for drive manufacturer use” (e.g.,JIS code ID or the like) is set in the link information.

[0394]FIGS. 14A to 14C summary other embodiments which pertain to amethod of setting “drive manufacturer ID information” according to thepresent invention.

[0395]FIG. 12 shows common information, specific information, and linkinformation recorded on the information recording medium, andschematically shows links between common information 2001 and specificinformation 2002. An example of a method of linking common information2001 and specific information 2002 will be explained in detail below.Information that pertains to a link pattern with respect to eachspecific information 2002 is recorded in the column of “information 2041that pertains to the link pattern of specific information associatedwith this link information” in link information 2003, as shown in FIG.13A.

[0396] In the embodiment of the present invention, there are fourdifferent link patterns as follows.

[0397] (1) Link-Pattern A: Call Process from External Program/specificInformation Side

[0398] This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 15. Thatis, object information 2007 complying with standards in commoninformation 2001 complying with standards is directly used frommanagement/control information 2006 side that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer. Since each object information is managed by videoobject information 1077 side, information 2006 calls video objectinformation 1107 in practice. As another method, a method of callingcell playback information 1108 as a display unit or PGC controlinformation 1103 that indicates continuous playback programs isavailable.

[0399] Examples of the method of using this pattern are as follows.

[0400] Management information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer systematically manages video information, still pictureinformation, and audio information in all of a plurality of informationrecording media (optical discs 1001) or a whole information recordingmedium having a plurality of recording layers like a multi-disc pack ormulti-layered disc, so as to systematically manage PGC controlinformation 1103, cell playback information 1108, and video objectinformation 1107 (information of each recording layer) which are managedin units of layers.

[0401] Program recording reservation information is provided tomanagement/control information 2006 side that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer, and information obtained by video recording usingthat reservation information is recorded as common information 2001complying with standards (recorded video information is recorded asvideo object 1012, and management information that pertains to the videoinformation is recorded in management/control information 2005 complyingwith standards).

[0402] Query information (tree structure information with a large numberof layers, keyword query information, and the like) for videoinformation or a huge number of pieces of still picture informationrecorded is provided to management/control information 2006 side thatcan be used by only a specific manufacturer, and required videoinformation or still picture information recorded in video objects 1012or picture objects 1013 is retrieved by search and displayed.

[0403] Management/control information 2006 that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer shown in FIG. 15 has information contents forimplementing functions associated with basic functions, which arespecified by the standards associated with common information 2001.However, the present invention is limited to such specific contents, andmanagement/control information 2006 may be used as an external componentfor specific external application program 2110. For example, informationof picture objects 1013 or video objects 1012 may be pasted in a portionof a document created on document creation software, or may be similarlypasted in presentation software. Furthermore, an application programhaving a function of extracting some data in video information in videoobjects 1012, automatically converting the extracted data into CG(computer graphics) data using, e.g., an edge extraction technique, andanimating that CG data as the user wants using, e.g., a morphingtechnique can be created using the technique of the present invention.

[0404] (2) Link Pattern B: Partial Exchange Process

[0405] This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 16. Thatis, information obtained by appending information, which has informationcontents similar to, e.g., VOB 1403 and cell 1443 and correspond to anoriginal function, to object information 2007 complying with standardswith the structure shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J is recorded in “expandedvideo object information 2115” and “expanded cell playback information2114”. By selecting link information 2003 later, VOB 1403 and cell 1443are replaced by the alternative (exchange) information in specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer uponplaying back and displaying information.

[0406] Examples of applications using this processing method are asfollows.

[0407] Recording Format Conversion of Object Information

[0408] In the DVD Video specifications, the recording format of videoinformation is limited to “MPEG1” or “MPEG2”. For example, wheninformation recorded in the DV (digital video) format is recorded withthe data structure shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J, video information convertedinto the MPEG2 format is recorded (this information is recorded in videoobjects 1012 shown in FIG. 16), and original video information in the DVformat is also recorded as another file in computer data area 1008 shownin FIG. 1C. This information serves as specific object information(specific contents information) 2008 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, management/controlinformation which pertains to this video information in the DV format isrecorded as another file in computer data area 1008, and is used asmanagement/control information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer.

[0409] Upon playback, an information playback apparatus of a generalmanufacturer plays back video information recorded in the MPEG2 formatin video objects 1012 shown in FIG. 16. By contrast, an informationplayback apparatus of a specific manufacturer can play back originalvideo information in the DV format, which is recorded in specific objectinformation (specific contents information) 2008 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer. In general, since video information in theDV format has higher image quality than MPEG2 information, a techniqueunique to the specific manufacturer can be provided.

[0410] The same applies not only to video information but also to stillpicture information. That is, picture objects 1013 shown in FIG. 16 arerecorded in the “MPEG2 I-picture format”. Still picture information inthe bitmap or JPEG format captured by a digital camera is recorded inpicture objects 1013 shown in FIG. 16 after format conversion. At thesame time, an original picture in the JPEG format is recorded inspecific object information (specific contents information) 2008 thatcan be used by only a specific manufacturer. The information playbackapparatus of the specific manufacturer can play back the originalpicture in the JPEG format with higher resolution (higher image quality)using link information 2003.

[0411] Variable Speed Playback

[0412] Cell playback information 1108 shown in FIG. 16 recordsinformation for normal playback speed alone. For example, upon making FF(fast playback) or FR (fast rewind) at double or quadruple speed,frame-decimated playback must be designated. Information indicating aplayback procedure corresponding to FF or FR is recorded in advance incell playback information 2114, and only an information playbackapparatus of a specific manufacturer can achieve FF or FR playback usinglink information 2003.

[0413] After-Recording Insertion Process

[0414] When audio information is overwritten by after recording whileplaying back video information already recorded in video objects 1012shown in FIG. 16, only the audio information to be additionally recordedis recorded in audio objects 1014 in common information 2001 complyingwith standards. After that, as information that replaces thecorresponding information in cell playback information 1108 used forplaying back the video information already recorded in video objects1012, information indicating the mechanism for simultaneously playingback the video information in video objects 1012 and after-recordedinformation in audio objects 1014 is created, and is recorded inexpanded cell playback information 2114 in specific information 2002that can be used by only a specific manufacturer. Only an informationplayback apparatus manufactured by the specific manufacturer cansimultaneously play back and output the aforementioned video informationand after-recorded audio information using expanded cell playbackinformation 2114.

[0415] Video Information Display After Special Edit

[0416] Common information 2001 complying with standards does not containany special edit information for video information. For example, whenthe user wants to execute “fade-in” and “chromakey” special editprocesses for VOB 1404 in FIG. 3D, management/control information iscreated by appending “fade-in” and “chromakey” special edit processinformation contents to management/control information corresponding toVOB 1404 in FIG. 3D contained in video object information 1107 in FIG.16, and is recorded in expanded video object information 2115. Aninformation playback apparatus manufactured by the specific manufacturerreads the corresponding information recorded in expanded video objectinformation 2115, and displays and outputs video information which hasundergone the special edit processes. Note that the special editinformation is described in the EDL format in expanded video objectinformation 2115.

[0417] (3) Link Pattern C: Specific Information Insertion Process

[0418] This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 16. Forexample, assume that an information playback apparatus manufactured by ageneral manufacturer plays back in the order of cell 1441→+cell1442→cell 1443, as shown in FIG. 3G. By contrast, a specificmanufacturer records cell* in expanded cell playback information 2114shown in FIG. 16, and designates its insertion location to be“immediately after cell 1442” in link information 2003. An informationplayback apparatus manufactured by the specific manufacturer can playback PGC 1446 shown in FIG. 3H in the order of “cell 1441→cell1442→cell→cell 1443” using link information 2003.

[0419] As an example, CM automatic insertion using this method may beattained.

[0420] (4) Link Pattern D: Function Expansion Process

[0421] This pattern uses the processing method shown in FIG. 17, and anoriginal expanded function is directly appended to video objectinformation or cell. Examples of this pattern are as follows.

[0422] Parental Lock/Security Function

[0423] For example, a security control or parental lock function usingpassword setting is provided to only VOB 1404 in FIG. 3D. This passwordinformation is recorded in expanded video object information 2115 shownin FIG. 17.

[0424] Small Window Simultaneous Display Function

[0425] For example, expanded function information which allows only cell1442 in FIG. 3G to make small window display, and can display anothervideo information parallel to the small window display is provided toexpanded cell playback information 2114 shown in FIG. 17.

[0426] Displayed Picture Characteristic Improving Function

[0427] In video information recorded by, e.g., a camcorder, playbackpictures are often dark or fogged or have poor color tone due tobacklight or insufficient illumination. Parameters such as “darknessadjustment”, “color tone adjustment”, and the like are recorded inexpanded video object information 2115 in FIG. 17, and parameters forimproving picture characteristics are set upon editing after videorecording. An information playback apparatus of a specific manufacturercorrects the picture characteristics according to the parameter valuesusing link information upon displaying pictures.

[0428] Location Designation Information Upon Recording/Playback whichcan be Set by User

[0429] For example, when the location the user watched last uponprevious playback is recorded in expanded PGC control information 2113in FIG. 17, the user can play back information from that location uponnext playback.

[0430] The information recording medium (optical disc 1001) recordsinformation in a plurality of contents (PTT 1407, PTT 1408, and the likeshown in FIG. 3C). Also, the information recording medium (optical disc1001) records common information 2001 complying with standards andspecific information 2002 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer in units of contents. Furthermore, the informationrecording medium (optical disc 1001) records link information 2003indicating the relationship between common information 2001 complyingwith standards and specific information 2002. Using a category ID to bedescribed below, different functions can be implemented in units ofcontents.

[0431]FIGS. 18A and 18B show the contents of function information(category ID) 2040 which pertains to specific information in informationof the link information shown in FIG. 13A, and is common to a pluralityof companies. FIGS. 18A and 18B show a list of category IDs of company Aas an example. The common function contents and link pattern symbolsshown in FIGS. 18A and 18B match the contents described in

[0432] “<<4>> Link Pattern”.

[0433] As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the characteristic feature of thepresent invention lies in that the manufacturer names of informationrecording/playback apparatuses or information playback apparatuses thatcan use contents vary depending on the information contents (PTT 1407(one type of contents), PTT 1408 (another type of contents) in FIG. 3C)recorded in the information recording medium (optical disc 1001), anddifferent corresponding category IDs can be set. As a result, a categoryID that can apply a parental lock to the entire adult video movie, andcan cancel the parental lock of only a portion children are free towatch can be set, thus allowing control in terms of discipline. In thiscase, when category IDs are set depending on the recorded contents, thepresent invention can greatly contribute to wholesome upbringing ofyoung people.

[0434] When only a plurality of specific manufacturers implement aspecific function according to their agreement, function information.(category ID) 2040 which pertains to specific information and is commonto a plurality of companies is effectively used. For example, a casewill be examined below wherein companies A, B, C, and D concludeagreements with each other to be able to commonly use common functionsother than category IDs 6, 9, and 10. The common functions other thancategory IDs 6, 9, and 10 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B can be used by notonly company A but also by companies B, C, and D according to FIGS. 18Aand 18B. Therefore, company B searches drive manufacturer IDs 2035 inlink information shown in FIG. 13A for link information that describescompany A, and checks if that link information includes category IDs2040=1, 2, 4, 7, or 12. If such category IDs are found, company B usesthe corresponding functions commonly to company A. This means that drivemanufacturers that can use contents vary depending on the recordedcontents, as in the above description.

[0435] Note that companies A, B, C, and D may be considered as eithermanufacturers or distributors of information recording/playbackapparatuses.

[0436] A method of checking influences on link information set by aninformation playback apparatus of the self company after contentsrecorded on a given information recording medium (optical disc 1001)have changed by an edit process using an information recording/playbackapparatus (recorder) of another company will be explained below.

[0437]FIGS. 19A to 19F show the internal data structure of edit controlinformation 1023 shown in FIG. 1E.

[0438] When data in audio & data area 1009 shown in FIG. 1C has beenedited (including addition of new data), history information thatpertains to an edit process (addition of new data) must be recorded inedit history information 2141 shown in FIG. 19B. As edit historyinformation 2141, information 2149 that pertains to detailed contents ofedit histories, edit (additional recording or change) date/timeinformation 2144, information 2145, and information 2146 are recorded.In an embodiment shown in FIG. 19C, date/time information 2145 andinformation 2146 of the second and third latest edit processes arerecorded together with date/time information 2144 of the latest editprocess.

[0439] A plurality of pieces of link information 2003 having the datastructure shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C are recorded on the informationrecording medium (optical disc 1001), as shown in FIG. 20D. A case willbe explained below wherein, for example, link information #β 2164 isused. One link information #β 2164 records various kinds of informationshown in FIG. 20E or classification items 2020 in FIGS. 13A to 13C, andespecially, classification item 2020 of “time information 2027 thatpertains to this link information” of those information records “lastrecording time (date) information 2061 of this link information”, asshown in FIG. 20F (or FIG. 13C). Last recording time (date) information2061 of this link information is played back to read the date and timewhen link information #β 2164 was created or edited/changed last. Thisdate/time is compared with the latest editing date/time of informationin audio & video data area 1009 shown in FIG. 19C. If the latter date isequal to or earlier than the former date, it is determined that linkinformation #β 2164 was created or changed (edited) at the same time asor after the latest edit process of information in audio & video dataarea 1009. In this case, link information #β 2164 can be used withoutany problem.

[0440] Conversely, when information in audio & video data area 1009 wasedited after link information #β 2164 had been created or changed(edited) (when “date/time information 2144 of the latest edit processshown in FIG. 19C” is later than “last recording time (date) information2061 of link information shown in FIG. 20F”, since information in audio& video data area 1009 was changed after link information #β 2164 hadbeen created or changed (edited), it may not be possible to use linkinformation #β 2164. In management/control information 2011 (FIG. 12) incommon information 2001 complying with standards, as shown in FIGS. 20Ato 20C, all of PGC control information 1103, cell playback information2162 to information 2164, and video object information 2167 toinformation 2169 record their last creation/change (edit) date/timeinformation 2151 to information 2159. Therefore, in the aforementionedcase, locations in common information 2001 complying with standards,which are designated by link information #β 2164, are checked. In anembodiment shown in FIGS. 20A to 20F, since link information #β 2164designates video information #2 2168 as a link source, lastcreation/change (edit) date/time information 2158 of video object #22168 is played back and compared. When last recording time (date)information 2061 of link information #β 2164 is equal to later than lastcreation/change (edit) date/time information 2158 of video objectinformation #2 2168, it is determined that locations other than videoobject information #2 2168 were edited, and this link information #β2164 can be used without any problems. By contrast, when last recordingtime (date) information 2061 of link information #β 2164 is earlier thanlast creation/change (edit) date/time information 2158 of video objectinformation #2 2168, since the contents of video object information #22168 were changed after link information #β 2164 had been set, it maynot be possible to use link information #β 2164. In such case, theinformation recording/playback apparatus detects changed locations ofvideo object information #2 2168 and a method of changing/correctingspecific information 2002 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer corresponding to link information #β 2164, using“correction content automatic inspection information 2042 forautomatically changing/correcting contents of specific information thatcan be used by only a specific manufacturer in correspondence with achange in contents of common information complying with standards” shownin FIG. 13B, and then automatically changes/corrects specificinformation that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.

[0441] On the other hand, when contents of video object information #22168 have been changed or edited, its last creation/change (edit)date/time information 2158 is changed in correspondence with thatchange/edit date, and the contents of specific information that can beused by a specific manufacturer as each of link destinations ofcorresponding link information #β 2164, information #γ 2165, and #δ 2166are changed and corrected. In addition, date/time information of each“last recording time (date) information 2061 of link information” isalso changed.

[0442] Since the information recording medium (optical disc 1001) shownin FIG. 1A has high portability, it is likely to be used in turn in aplurality of information recording/playback apparatuses. For thisreason, after link information 2164 is set by an informationrecording/playback apparatus of company A, if an informationrecording/playback apparatus of company B changes and edits a linksource portion in common information 2001 complying with standards, linkinformation 2164 can no longer be used. As described above, thecharacteristic features of the present invention lie in that:

[0443] (1) “last change/correction (edit) time information” is recordedin both link information 2164 and common information 2001, and thesepieces of time information are compared before link information 2164 isused, so as to confirm the validity of link information; and

[0444] (2) “correction content automatic inspection information 2042” isrecorded in advance in link information so as to allow automaticcorrection of the contents of specific information 2002 even when commoninformation 2001 complying with standards has been changed (edited).

[0445] There are four different embodiments of a method of setting alink source (a designation location in common information complying withstandards) corresponding to each link information in the presentinvention, as shown in FIGS. 21A to 21D. (The respective setting methodsare set with symbols (A) to (D).)

[0446] In one method, a bit sequence (e.g., all “1”s for 8 bytes) whichnever exists in common information 2001 complying with standards isinserted at an arbitrary position and is used as a “tag” for setting adesignation location, and the “tag” inserted position is defined as thedesignation location of the link source. An information playbackapparatus which does not use link information skips data from the “tag”information to inserted data size information that follows immediatelyafter the “tag” information, thus removing the influence of linkinformation. A method of allocating “pointer information” behind “tag”information”, and designating corresponding link information (its IDinformation or link information number 2031) in this “pointerinformation” ((A) of FIG. 21A) and a method of directly allocating linkinformation 2003 behind “tag” information ((B) of FIG. 21B) areavailable. In the latter method, a plurality of link information aredistributed in common information 2001 complying with standards. Themethods of these two embodiments are suitable for link pattern A (callprocess from external program/specific information side) shown in FIG.15.

[0447] As tag information, bit sequence information (e.g., all “1”s for8 bytes) which never exists in common information 2001 is formed andinserted in common information 2001, and “pointer information” or “linkinformation” is allocated immediately after that bit sequence. A drive(information playback apparatus) manufactured by a drive manufacturerthat does not use link information checks the pointer size or linkinformation size described immediately after this tag information toskip that range.

[0448] By contrast, in case of link pattern B (partial exchange process)or link pattern C (specific information insertion process) shown in FIG.16 or link pattern D (function expansion process) shown in FIG. 17, thedesignation range of a link source is determined to be PGC controlinformation 1103, cell playback information 1108, and video objectinformation 1107. (In link pattern A (call process from externalprogram/specific information side) shown in FIG. 15 as well, the linksource designation range may be fixed.) In such case, setting methods(C) and (D) shown in FIGS. 21C and 21D are suitably used.

[0449] In setting method (C), information recording columns fordesignating link information (its ID information or link informationnumber 2031) are formed in advance in PGC control information 1103, cellplayback information 1108, and video object information 1107.

[0450] A method of setting the designation location of link informationwithout changing common information 2001 complying with standards(without exerting any load on common information 2001) is method (D), inwhich link information contains information that pertains to the linksource and link range. “Number 2044 of link designation locations incommon information complying with standards”, and “first priority linkdesignation location information 2045 in common information complyingwith standards” to “second priority link designation locationinformation 2046 in common information complying with standards” shownin FIG. 13B are information items set assuming a case that uses method(D). A file structure having neither link information 2003 nor specificinformation 2002 corresponding to an expansion function will beexplained first.

[0451] All pieces of information are recorded in data area 1004 in FIG.1B in units of files, and the relationship between the data and filesare managed by the directory structure, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0452] A plurality of subdirectories 1451 are contained within rootdirectory 1450 to allow easy classification in units of recorded filecontents. In FIG. 2, data files that pertain to computer data recordedon computer data areas 1008 and 1010 shown in FIG. 1C are recorded undersubdirectory 1457 for computer data storage, and audio & video datarecorded on audio & video data area 1009 are recorded under rewritablevideo title set RW_VTS 1452. On the other hand, upon copying videoinformation recorded on a DVD Video disc to the disc shown in FIG. 1A,data are copied under video title set VIDEO_TS 1455 and audio title setAUDIO_TS 1456.

[0453] Control information 1011 in FIG. 1D is recorded as a single filefor rewritable video management data. In FIG. 2, this information hasfile name RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO. Furthermore, identical information isalso recorded as backup information with file name RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP.

[0454] In FIG. 2, all video information data that belong to videoobjects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D are recorded as a video objects file withfile name RW_VIDEO.VOB. That is, all video information data that belongto video objects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D are continuously linked in asingle VTS (video title set 1402), as shown in FIG. 3B, and arecontinuously recorded in a single file named “video objects file”. (Inother words, all data are recorded together in a single file withoutdividing a file in units of PTTs (part_of_title) 1407 and 1408.)

[0455] All still picture information data that belong to picture objects1013 are recorded together in a picture objects file with file nameRW_PICTURE.POB. Picture objects 1013 contain a plurality of pieces ofstill picture information. A digital camera adopts a format in whicheach still picture is recorded as an independent file, but theembodiment of the present invention is characterized in that all stillpictures contained in picture objects 1013 are continuously linked in aformat similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J, and are recordedtogether in a single picture objects file with file name RW_PICTURE.POB.

[0456] Likewise, all pieces of audio information that belong to audioobjects 1014 are recorded in a single audio objects file with file nameRW_AUDIO.AOB, and all pieces of thumbnail information that belong tothumbnail objects 1016 are recorded in a single thumbnail objects filewith file name RW_THUMBNAIL.TOB. Note that the video objects file,picture objects file, audio objects file, and thumbnail objects file arehandled as AV file 1401.

[0457] Rewritable additional information 1454 (not shown in FIGS. 1A to1F) that can be used upon recording/playing back video information canbe simultaneously recorded. That information is recorded as a singlefile, which has file name RW_ADD.DAT in the embodiment in FIG. 2.

[0458] An embodiment of the present invention that pertains to theallocation of link information will be explained below while comparingwith the file structure shown in FIG. 2.

[0459] An embodiment in which link information 2003 is allocated incommon information 2001 shown in FIG. 22A will be explained first. Incase of this embodiment, link information 2003 is recorded together intwo files, i.e., control information 1011 in FIG. 2=RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO(rewritable video management data) and backup data of controlinformation 1011=RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP (rewritable video management databackup). As detailed recording locations in these two files, all piecesof link information are recorded together at the recording location oflink information 2003 (FIG. 19B) in edit control information 1023 shownin FIG. 1E. In link information 2003, a plurality of pieces of linkinformation 2163 to 2167 are continuously allocated, as shown in FIG.20D.

[0460] An embodiment in which link information is allocated in specificinformation 2002 shown in FIG. 22B means a state wherein linkinformation is recorded together with specific information 2002 incommon file 2181=RW_ADD.DAT (a kind of rewritable additional information1454) that records specific information, as shown in, e.g., FIG. 24.

[0461] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 22C in which all pieces of linkinformation are allocated together at a unique location, unique linkinformation like 2171=RW_LINK.DAT is set under subdirectory 1451 ofrewritable video title set RW_VTS 1452, as shown in FIG. 23, and therespective pieces of link information 2163 to 2167 are allocated atneighboring locations, as shown in FIG. 19D. This unique linkinformation like 2171=RW_LINK.DAT is located as a kind of rewritableadditional information 1454=RW_ADD.DAT (rewritable video additionalinformation).

[0462] An embodiment in which groups of link information to be used inunits of drive manufacturers are allocated together shown in FIG. 22Cmeans a file structure shown in FIG. 23. That is, subdirectories(dedicated subdirectory 2185 for company A, and dedicated subdirectory2186 for company B) in units of drive manufacturers are created underroot directory 1450, and link information files in units of drivemanufacturers such as dedicated link information 2191 for companyA=LINKINFO_A.IFO and the like are set. In the link information file, therespective pieces of link information 2163 to 2167 are allocated andrecorded at neighboring locations, as shown in FIG. 19D.

[0463]FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of a method of allocating specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer.Basically, specific information is recorded in subdirectory 1451 ofrewritable video title set RW_VTS 1452 where common information 2001complying with standards is recorded. As shown in FIG. 23, directoriesfor recording specific information 2002 are separated in units of drivemanufacturers like directory 2173 for specific information of companyA=RW_ADD_A and directory 2174 for specific information of companyB=RW_ADD_B. Since the directories are separated, as shown in FIG. 23,specific information 2176 and information 2177 of company A can beprevented from being destroyed upon changing, e.g., specific informationof company B. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, of specific information 2002that can be used by only a specific manufacturer, management/controlinformation 2006 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer isrecorded in a file of specific management/control information2176=RW_A_CONTROL.IFO dedicated to company A in FIG. 23, and thecontents of specific object information (specific contents information)2008 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer are recorded in afile of specific object information 2177=RW_A_OBJECT.VOB dedicated tocompany A in FIG. 23.

[0464]FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of a method of allocatingspecific information 2002 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer in the present invention. This embodiment is characterizedin that all pieces of specific information 2002 are recorded together ina single file independently of drive manufacturers of informationrecording/playback apparatuses that create specific information 2002.Common file 2181 that records specific information has file nameRW_ADD.DAT, and is allocated under rewritable video title set RW_VTS1452 as common subdirectory 1451 where another common information 2001complying with standards is recorded. Common file 2181 that recordsspecific information is a kind of rewritable additional information1454=RW_ADD.DAT (rewritable video additional information) shown in FIG.2.

[0465] Furthermore, FIG. 25 shows still another embodiment of a methodof allocating specific information 2002 that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer in the present invention. Referring to FIG. 25,specific information 2002 is allocated outside subdirectory 1451 ofrewritable video title set RW_VTS 1452 unlike FIGS. 23 and 24.Subdirectories (dedicated subdirectory 2185 for company A, and dedicatedsubdirectory 2186 for company B) are created under root directory 1450in units of drive manufacturers of information recording/playbackapparatuses for recording specific information, and specific information2002 is recorded under each subdirectory. Of specific information 2002that can be used by only a specific manufacturer shown in FIG. 12,management/control information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer is recorded in a file of specific management/controlinformation 2192=CONTROLIFO_A.IFO dedicated to company A in FIG. 25, andthe contents of specific object information (specific contentsinformation) 2008 are recorded in a file of specific object information2193=A_OBJECT.VOB dedicated to company A in FIG. 25.

[0466] The procedure of a method of playing back and displaying linkinformation in the information recording/playback apparatus forrecording video information shown in FIG. 10 will be explained below. Anembodiment will be explained while taking as an example a case whereinthe information recording/playback apparatus for recording videoinformation is a product of drive manufacturer A. FIGS. 26A and 26B showthe playback/display procedure in this case.

[0467] The entire flow charts shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B will beexplained first.

[0468] (ST201) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/ReproducingUnit 101

[0469] Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

[0470] (ST202) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing BackVideo Information in Memory

[0471] System controller (MPU) 1530 controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to read control information 1011 and linkinformation file 2171 (FIG. 23) from information recording medium(optical disc) 201, and temporarily stores them in its internalsemiconductor RAM.

[0472] (ST203) Extract Process of Link Information Created by Company A

[0473] System controller (MPU) 1530 searches all pieces of linkinformation in link information file 2171 temporarily stored in itsinternal semiconductor RAM and extracts link information whose drivemanufacturer ID information 2035 (FIG. 13A) corresponds to company A.

[0474] (ST204) Process for Confirming Presence/Absence of Editing ofCommon Information Done After Setting Times of All Pieces of LinkInformation Corresponding to Company A

[0475] System controller (MPU) 1530 checks last recording time (date)information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each link information corresponding tocompany A in link information file 2171 temporarily stored in itsinternal semiconductor RAM, and compares it with date/time information2144 (FIG. 19C) of the latest edit process (including addition of newdata) to common information, so as to check if the common informationhas been edited after the setting times of all the pieces of linkinformation corresponding to company A.

[0476] (ST205) Determination

[0477] It is determined whether or not the common information has beenedited after the creation/change times of all the pieces of linkinformation corresponding to company A.

[0478] (ST206) Confirmation Process of Last Edit Time of CorrespondingLocation in Common Information Designated by Link Information of CompanyA

[0479] System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts last recording time (date)information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each link information corresponding tocompany A and corresponding locations (link source designation locationand designation range 2026 in FIGS. 13B and 13C) in common informationdesignated by each link information from link information file 2171temporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

[0480] System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts a plurality of pieces oflast creation/change date/time information 2151 to 2159 (FIGS. 20A to20C) of link source designation locations in common information fromcontrol information 1011 temporarily stored in its internalsemiconductor RAM.

[0481] (ST207) Determination

[0482] It is determined whether or not the link source designationlocations in the common information have been edited after thecreation/change times of all the pieces of link informationcorresponding to company A.

[0483] (ST208) Specific Information Correction Process Corresponding toLink Information Set Before Last Edit Time of Link Source

[0484] System controller (MPU) 1530 automatically detects changes inlink source designation location using correction contents automaticinspection information 2042 (FIG. 13B) from the link information setbefore the last edit time of the link source, and changes the contentsof the corresponding specific information (specific management/controlinformation 2176 and specific object information 2177 dedicated tocompany A in FIG. 23) in correspondence with the detected changes.

[0485] System controller 1530 updates last recording time information2071 (FIG. 13C) of the link information to indicate the correction time.

[0486] (ST209) Extraction Process of Link Information that AnotherCompany can Use and is Specified by Category ID

[0487] System controller (MPU) 1530 checks category ID information 2040(FIG. 13A) of link information corresponding to companies other thancompany A in link information file 2171 temporarily stored in itsinternal semiconductor RAM.

[0488] System controller (MPU) 1530 compares usable category IDs storedin advance in its internal semiconductor ROM (information that company Acan use in a category ID list of other companies is recorded in advanceas in FIGS. 18A and 18B) and category IDs of other companies recorded oninformation recording medium (optical disc) 201 to extract linkinformation which is usable by another company.

[0489] (ST210) Determination

[0490] It is determined whether or not the common information has beenedited after the creation/change time of link information that anothercompany can use and is checked in step ST209.

[0491] (ST211) Confirmation Process of Last Edit Time of CorrespondingLocation in Common Information Designated by Link Information of AnotherCompany

[0492] System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts last recording time (date)information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each link information usable by anothercompany and corresponding locations (link source designation locationand designation range 2026 in FIGS. 13B and 13C) in common informationdesignated by each link information from link information file 2171temporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

[0493] System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts a plurality of pieces oflast creation/change date/time information 2151 to 2159 (FIGS. 20A to20C) of link source designation locations in common information fromcontrol information 1011 temporarily stored in its internalsemiconductor RAM, and checks their time relationship.

[0494] For link information of another company which set thecorresponding location in the common information designated as a linksource last before the last edit time, specific information 2176 andinformation 2177 are not corrected unlike step ST208, and are inhibitedfrom being used.

[0495] (ST212) Inquiry of User as to Whether or Not Link Information isUsed

[0496] System controller (MPU) 1530 displays, on display/input panel1548 of RTR recorder, an inquiry of user as to whether the originalfunctions of the information recording/playback apparatus (videorecorder) for recording video information are used by utilizingindividual usable link information selected by the aforementionedprocesses or playback/display is made using only common information 2001complying with standards.

[0497] If the user denies use of link information, information is playedback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201 using onlycommon information 2001 complying with standards without using any linkinformation, and the playback result is displayed on display/input panel1548 of RTR recorder.

[0498] (ST213) Playback/Display Process Using Link Information andSpecific Information

[0499] Link source corresponding locations in common information 2001designated in link information, which is designated by the user inresponse to the inquiry in step ST212, are extracted by searching thecontents of link information file 2171 temporarily stored in thesemiconductor RAM in system controller (MPU) 1530.

[0500] Locations in PGC control information 1103 (FIG. 20A) of the linksource designation locations are recorded at other locations in thesemiconductor RAM on the basis of control information 1011 temporarilystored in the semiconductor RAM in system controller (MPU) 1530.

[0501] Common information 2001 is played back and displayed inaccordance with a PGC (FIG. 20A) to be played back designated by theuser, and when the playback location has reached the aforementioned linksource designation location, specific information 2002 is called vialink information 2003 to play back and display information ondisplay/input panel 1548 of RTR recorder on the basis of the originalfunctions.

[0502] The flow charts shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B will be described inmore detail below. The present invention is characterized by the process(ST204) of checking the relationship between “last recording timeinformation 2061 of link information” recorded in link information shownin FIG. 13C, and “date/time information 2144 of the latest edit process(content change/addition/deletion) of common information 2001” shown inFIG. 19C. With this process, whether or not the contents of commoninformation 2001 have been changed (edited) by an informationrecording/playback apparatus for recording video information of anothercompany after the corresponding link information had been set last. Ifthe contents of common information 2001 have been changed (edited), itis checked if the location which is designated as a link source by thecorresponding link information has been changed (edited) (after the linkinformation was set last) (ST207 and ST210). If the edit resultadversely influenced link information, drive manufacturer ID information2035 in the link information is checked, and

[0503] (1) if the link information is the one created by the selfcompany (company A in the above embodiment), changes in locationdesignated as a link source by the link information as a result of theedit process are automatically detected using correction contentautomatic inspection information 2042 (FIG. 13B) in the linkinformation, and specific information 2002 (FIG. 12) is automaticallychanged in accordance with the detection result (ST208 in FIG. 26A); or

[0504] (2) if the link information is other than the one created by theself company (company A), the corresponding specific information isinhibited from being used (ST211 in FIG. 26B).

[0505] In the procedure shown in FIG. 26A, even when drive manufacturerID 2035 indicates not only the self company (company A in the aboveembodiment) but also another company, category ID 2040 as functioninformation common to a plurality of companies in association withspecific information is read, and link information the self company(company A) can use is allowed to be used (ST209 in FIG. 26A).

[0506] An example of step ST213 in FIG. 26B will be explained below.

[0507] When the original function is a “search process using queryinformation”, query information is recorded in advance inmanagement/control information 2006 (FIG. 12) that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer, and the user selects information using thecontents displayed on display/input panel 1548 of RTR recorder (FIG.10). Video object information #2 2168 (FIG. 20C) in common information2001 is then selected using link information 2003 on the basis ofinformation extracted from management/control information 2006 that canbe used by only a specific manufacturer in accordance with the user'schoice, and is played back and displayed.

[0508] On the other hand, when the original function is to execute“variable speed playback” of only a CM location in the recordedinformation, if cell playback information #c 2164 in FIG. 20Bcorresponds to a CM portion in the recorded information, expanded cellplayback information 2114 (FIG. 16) which records fast playback (FF)information and corresponds to partial exchange process 2121 is recordedin file RW_A_CONTROL.IFO (FIG. 23) for specific management/controlinformation 2176 dedicated to company A as management/controlinformation 2006 (FIG. 12) that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer via link information #ε 2167 in correspondence with that CMportion. When PGC control information 1103 shown in FIG. 20A is playedback and displayed, cell playback information #c 2164 is replaced byexpanded cell playback information 2114 to play back the CM portion atspeed higher than normal speed.

[0509]FIG. 27 is a flow chart showing the procedure for simultaneouslyrecording common information 2001, link information 2003, and specificinformation 2002.

[0510] The entire flow chart shown in FIG. 27 will be explained first.

[0511] (ST221) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/ReproducingUnit 101

[0512] Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

[0513] (ST222) Creation Process of Dedicated Directory for RecordingSpecific Information on Information Recording Medium

[0514] System controller (MPU) 1530 of an information recording/playbackapparatus (video recorder) for recording/playing back informationreceives a command for simultaneously recording common information, linkinformation, and specific information from the user.

[0515] System controller (MPU) 1530 creates specific informationdirectory RW_ADD_A 2173 (FIG. 23) for company A on the informationrecording medium (optical disc 1001 and optical disc 201) (if thatdirectory is already present, this process is skipped).

[0516] (ST223) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing BackVideo Information in Memory

[0517] System controller (MPU) 1530 controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to read control information 1011, linkinformation file 2171 (FIG. 23), and a file of specificmanagement/control information 2176 dedicated to company A frominformation recording medium (optical disc) 201, and temporarily storesthem in its internal semiconductor RAM.

[0518] If either link information file 2171 or the file of specificmanagement/control information 2176 dedicated to company A has not beencreated yet, the non-created file is not read.

[0519] (ST224) Temporary Storage Process of Specific Information

[0520] Upon receiving specific object information. (specific contentsinformation) 2008 from AV input 1542 in FIG. 10, specific objectinformation 2008 is transferred to memory 1534 without converting thespecific object information via ADC 1552→V encoder 1555→formatter1556→data processor 1536 information recording/reproducing unit101→memory 1534 in accordance with an instruction from system controller(MPU) 1530.

[0521] Although the transfer route includes V encoder 1555 and formatter1556, they transfer the input information intact without any dataconversion in this case.

[0522] (ST225) Object Information Recording Location Setting Process

[0523] The recording locations (allocations viewed frommanagement/control information) of object information 2007 complyingwith standards and specific object information 2008 are set on the basisof control information 1011 (and link information file 2171) read instep ST223.

[0524] (ST226) Parallel Creation Process of Object Information 2007Complying with Standards

[0525] Parallel to step ST222, V encoder 1553 and A encoder 1554 convertinformation input from AV input 1542 into the recording format (MPEG2 orthe like) complying with standards, and formatter 1556 re-formats theconverted information into the data structure shown in FIG. 3F andtemporarily stores that information in memory 1534 as object information2007 complying with standards.

[0526] (ST227) Recording Process of Object Information Complying withStandards and Specific Object Information on Information RecordingMedium

[0527] System controller (MPU) 1530 sends a command to informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to create file RW_A_OBJECT.VOB forrecording specific object information 2177 dedicated to company A on theinformation recording medium (optical disc 1001 and optical disc 201)(if such file already exists, this process is skipped).

[0528] Information recording/reproducing unit 101 alternately reads outobject information 2007 complying with standards and specific objectinformation 2008 from memory 1534 under the control of system controller(MPU) 1530 and records them on the information recording medium (opticaldisc 1001 and optical disc 201).

[0529] Object information 2007 complying with standards is additionallyrecorded in a video object file, picture object file, or audio objectfile handled as AV file 1401 in FIG. 23.

[0530] Specific object information (specific contents information) 2008that can be used by only a specific manufacturer is additionallyrecorded in specific object information file RW_A_OBJECT.VOB 2177dedicated to company A in FIG. 23.

[0531] (ST228) Additional Recording Process of Management/ControlInformation 2005 Complying with Standards

[0532] Upon completion of the recording process on the informationrecording medium in step ST227, system controller (MPU) 1530 collectsthe added contents according to the recording result in step ST227 withrespect to management/control information 2005 complying with standards,and controls information recording/reproducing unit 101 to additionallyrecord additional information in two files RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO andRW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP that record control information 1011 in FIG. 23,thus executing the recording process.

[0533] (ST229) Additional Recording Process of Management/ControlInformation File that can be Used by Only Specific Manufacturer

[0534] If file RW_A_CONTROL.IFO of specific management/controlinformation 2176 dedicated to company A in FIG. 23 is not present inthis process, this file is newly created (if that file already exists,the creation process is skipped).

[0535] System controller (MPU) 1530 collects contents to be additionallyrecorded in file RW_A_CONTROL.IFO of specific management/controlinformation 2176 dedicated to company A on the basis of the recordingresult of specific object information (specific contents information)2008 in step ST227, and controls information recording/reproducing unit101 to additionally record those contents in the file.

[0536] (ST230) Addition Process of Link Information

[0537] If link information file 2171 in FIG. 23 does not exist in thisprocess, a new link information file is created (if that file alreadyexists, the creation process is skipped).

[0538] System controller (MPU) 1530 collects link information contentsto be added on the basis of the contents of management/controlinformation 2005 and information 2176 recorded in steps ST228 and ST229,and controls information recording/reproducing unit 101 to recordadditional information in link information file 2171 RW_LINK.DAT.

[0539] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the link information to beadditionally recorded includes:

[0540] drive manufacturer ID information 2035;

[0541] category ID 2040;

[0542] correction content automatic inspection information 2042 ofspecific information; and the like.

[0543] Date and time information upon setting additional linkinformation in step ST230 is recorded or updated in lastrecording/change time (date) information 2061 of this link informationshown in FIG. 13C.

[0544] The flow chart shown in FIG. 27 will be described in more detailbelow. An embodiment will be exemplified wherein digital videoinformation recorded on a DV (digital video tape) or a still picture inthe JPEG format, which is sensed by digital camera 1543 (FIG. 10), isrecorded on information recording medium (optical disc) 201. In stepsST224 and ST227 in FIG. 27, the digital video information in the DVformat or still picture information in the JPEG format is recorded infile RW_A_OBJECT.VOB for recording specific object information 2177dedicated to company A in FIG. 23, and management/control informationthat pertains to the recorded information is recorded in recording fileRW_A_CONTROL.IFO of specific management/control information 2176dedicated to company A (ST229).

[0545] Parallel to this recording process, as shown in steps ST226 andST227 in FIG. 27, the digital video information in the DV format orstill picture information in the JPEG format is converted into digitalvideo information in the MPEG2 format or still picture information ofthe MPEG2 I-picture format as the recording format that complies withthe DVD standards by V encoder 1553, SP encoder 1555, A encoder 1554,and formatter 1556 in FIG. 10, and is recorded as object information2007 (FIG. 12) complying with standards in a video objects file, pictureobjects file, or audio objects file handled as AV file 1401 in FIG. 23.At the same time, management/control information 2005 that pertains tothe recorded information is recorded in two files RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFOand RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP associated with control information 1011(ST228).

[0546] Upon playback/display, the user selects information to be playedback, and one of object information 2007 complying with standards andspecific object information (specific contents information) 2008 thatcan be used by a specific manufacturer is played back and displayed ondisplay/input panel 1548 of RTR recorder in accordance with user'schoice.

[0547]FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the method of appending linkinformation 2003 and specific information 2002 to common information2001 already recorded on the information recording medium.

[0548] The entire flow chart shown in FIG. 28 will be explained first.

[0549] (ST233) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/ReproducingUnit 101

[0550] Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

[0551] (ST234) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing BackVideo Information in Memory

[0552] System controller (MPU) 1530 controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to read control information 1011 and linkinformation file 2171 (FIG. 23) from information recording medium(optical disc) 201, and temporarily stores them in its internalsemiconductor RAM.

[0553] (ST235) Receive Original Function Contents and Original FunctionSetting Range Designation Information by User

[0554] The user selects the original function of the informationrecording/playback apparatus for recording video information (videorecorder) via the user interface using display/input panel 1548 of RTRrecorder, and designates the range for designating that originalfunction.

[0555] System controller (MPU) 1530 interprets the original functioncontents designated by the user using control information 1011 asmanagement/control information 2005 complying with standards, which istemporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

[0556] (ST236) Information Addition Process to Management/ControlInformation 2006 that can be Used by Specific Manufacturer

[0557] System controller (MPU) 1530 creates addition information tomanagement/control information 2006 that can be used by only a specificmanufacturer on the basis of the original function contents and rangedesignated by the user, and controls information recording/reproducingunit 101 to additionally record that information in specificmanagement/control information file 2176 RW_A_CONTROL.IFO dedicated tocompany A shown in FIG. 23.

[0558] (ST237) Addition Process of Link Information

[0559] If link information file 2171 shown in FIG. 23 does not exist inthis process, a new link information file is created (if such filealready exists, the creation process is skipped).

[0560] System controller (MPU) 1530 collects link information contentsto be added on the basis of the contents of control information 1011temporarily stored in memory 153.4 in step ST234 and management/controlinformation 2006 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer, whichis additionally recorded in step ST236, and controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to record the additional information inlink information file 2171 RW_LINK.DAT.

[0561] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the link information to beadditionally recorded includes:

[0562] drive manufacturer ID information 2035;

[0563] category ID 2040;

[0564] correction content automatic inspection information 2042 ofspecific information; and the like.

[0565] Date and time information upon setting additional linkinformation in step ST237 is recorded or updated in lastrecording/change time (date) information 2061 of this link informationshown in FIG. 13C.

[0566] The flow chart shown in FIG. 28 will be described in more detailbelow. An embodiment of parental lock or security setup by setting apassword in, e.g., cell playback information #c 2164 in FIG. 19B will beexplained below. A parental lock or security setup instruction at thatlocation is received from the user (ST235 in FIG. 28).

[0567] Expanded cell playback information 2114 (FIG. 16) which isadditionally recorded with password information and corresponds topartial exchange process 2121 is recorded in file RW A_CONTROL.IFO (FIG.23) for specific management/control information 2176 dedicated tocompany A as management/control information 2006 (FIG. 12) that can beused by only a specific manufacturer via link information #ε 2167 incorrespondence with that location (ST236). Upon playing back anddisplaying PGC control information 1103 shown in FIG. 20A, cell playbackinformation #c 2164 is replaced by expanded cell playback information2114. When the display timing of this portion has been reached, apassword inquiry message for the user is displayed on display/inputpanel 1548 of RTR recorder. Only when the user inputs a correct passwordwithout any errors, this portion can be played back and displayed.

[0568]FIG. 29 is a flow chart that pertains to processes upon editingcommon information 2001.

[0569] The entire flow chart shown in FIG. 29 will be explained first.

[0570] (ST241) Start-Up Process of Information Recording/ReproducingUnit 101

[0571] Information recording medium (optical disc) 201 is rotated, andfocus/track servo of optical head 202 is turned on to enable informationplayback from information recording medium (optical disc) 201.

[0572] (ST242) Store Information Required for Recording/Playing BackVideo Information in Memory

[0573] System controller (MPU) 1530 controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to read control information 1011 and linkinformation file 2171 (FIG. 23) from information recording medium(optical disc) 201, and temporarily stores them in its internalsemiconductor RAM.

[0574] (ST243) Extraction Process of Link Information Created by CompanyA

[0575] System controller (MPU) 1530 extracts link information whichincludes drive manufacturer ID information 2035 (FIG. 13A) correspondingto company A by searching all pieces of link information in linkinformation file 2171 temporarily stored in its internal semiconductorRAM.

[0576] (ST244) Receive Information of Edit Contents in CommonInformation from User

[0577] The user designates information that pertains to edit contents incommon information 2001 complying with standards by the informationrecording/playback apparatus for recording video information via theuser interface using display/input panel 1548 of RTR recorder. Systemcontroller 1530 receives that information.

[0578] System controller (MPU) 1530 determines a practical method forthe edit contents designated by the user using control information 1011as management/control information 2005 complying with standards, whichis temporarily stored in its internal semiconductor RAM.

[0579] (ST245) Execute Edit Process in Common Information

[0580] System controller (MPU) 1530 edits common information 2001complying with standards on the basis of the processing methoddetermined in step ST244, and controls information recording/reproducingunit 101 as needed to record information on information recording medium(optical disc) 201.

[0581] (ST246) Update Process of Last Creation/Change Date/TimeInformation in Management/Control Information Complying with Standards

[0582] System controller (MPU) 1530 changes the contents ofmanagement/control information 2005 complying with standards on thebasis of the edit process done in step ST245, and controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to rewrite the contents of filesRW_VIDEO_CONTROL.IFO and RW_VIDEO_CONTROL.BUP associated with controlinformation 1011 shown in FIG. 23.

[0583] System controller (MPU) 1530 simultaneously executes updateprocesses of last creation/change date/time information (informationthat pertains to the changed portion upon editing of 2151 to 2159 inFIGS. 20A to 20C) and date/time information 2144 of the latest editprocess shown in FIG. 19C, which pertain to the aforementioned editprocess.

[0584] (ST247) Change Process of Link Information Contents of Company Athat Pertains to Edit Process

[0585] System controller (MPU) 1530 finds link information which isinfluenced by the edit process of common information 2001 done in stepST245 by search from those including drive manufacturer ID information2035 (FIG. 13A) corresponding to company A, which are extracted in stepST243, changes the corresponding portion of specific information 2002designated as a link destination of that link information incorrespondence with the edit process, and controls informationrecording/reproducing unit 101 to change and record that change resultin the contents of files 2176 and 2177 in directory 2173 for specificinformation of company A.

[0586] System controller (MPU) 1530 updates and records lastrecording/change time information 2061 (FIG. 13C) of each linkinformation corresponding to company A irrespective of thepresence/absence of influences of the edit process.

[0587] The flow chart shown in FIG. 29 will be described in more detailbelow. As described previously, assuming a case wherein informationrecording medium (optical disc) 201 is used by an informationrecording/playback apparatus of another company after common information2001 has been edited, a recording process for making link informationusable in such a case is required. That is, the update process of “lastcreation/change date/time information 2151 to information 2159” (FIGS.20A to 20C) of portions that have been changed by the edit process, and“date/time information 2144 of the latest edit process” as a whole isexecuted (ST246). At the same time, “last recording time information2061” in link information is updated, and the contents of thecorresponding specific information are changed (ST247).

[0588] Applications of the present invention will be explained below.

[0589] The present invention can be applied to a program (software)recording scheme in an information processing apparatus, which recordsprogram (software) information described in various program languagessuch as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, and the like on an informationrecording medium, reproduces the program (software) information fromthat information recording medium, and makes an implementation processaccording to the reproduced program (software) contents. That is, aninformation recording scheme (description rule of a program language)for recording information on the information recording medium can beapplied to that which is commonly standardized and recognized among aplurality of manufacturers which manufacture arithmetic processingapparatuses for reproducing a program (software) from the informationrecording medium, and making an implementation process according to thereproduced program (software) contents.

[0590] In the arithmetic operation field (computer field), an arithmeticoperation program is described according to rules (standards) of variousprogram languages such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, and the like. If acommand that violates such rules of the program language is described ina program, it is rejected as an error.

[0591] For example, processing functions that can be controlled byprograms which pertain to a “communication protocol”, “graphical userinterface”, “image processing function”, and the like are considerablylimited by the program languages used. That is, differentiated andoriginal functions cannot be provided. By contrast, requirements forimplementing function processing beyond the limitations on a specificprogram language are increasing. In each program language, a program isupgraded every time a new function is added. However, since suchupgrading requires much time, it is hard to add new functions in quickresponse to advances of the technologies.

[0592] When the present invention is applied to the program recordingscheme, a program control method which can implement function processingbeyond limitations of conventional program languages such as “C”,“Visual C”, “JAVA”, and the like on such languages can be provided.

[0593] When the present invention is applied to the program recordingscheme, a program language which has command expandability even on theconventional program languages such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, and thelike can be provided. As a consequence, an individual informationprocessing apparatus (computer) can append function processing beyondthe limitations on the conventional program languages.

[0594] Important points of the present invention will be summarizedbelow.

[0595] Information created according to a recording format (recordingscheme) complying with standards for recording video information, audioinformation, still picture information, and the like on an informationrecording medium is recorded on the information recording medium as“common information 2001 (FIG. 12)”. This common information 2001includes program (software) information created according toconventional program language rules (command rules) such as “C”, “VisualC”, “JAVA”, or the like.

[0596] Furthermore, information created in a recording format (recordingscheme) which is used for implementing a function unique to themanufacturer of an information recording/playback apparatus orinformation recording medium and does not comply with standards isrecorded at a location different from the recording location of commoninformation 2001 on the information recording medium as “specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer” shownin FIG. 12. This specific information 2002 that can be used by only aspecific manufacturer includes expanded program (software) informationcreated using new command information, which does not comply withconventional program language rules (command rules) such as “C”, “VisualC”, “JAVA”, or the like.

[0597] Also, to allow use of specific information 2002, “linkinformation 2003” that indicates the relationship between commoninformation 2001 complying with standards and specific information 2002that can be used by only a specific manufacturer is recorded on theinformation recording medium.

[0598] Link information 2003 describes:

[0599] manufacturer information or model information of informationrecording/playback apparatuses that can be used for each specificinformation 2002; and

[0600] “information that pertains to the link pattern of specificinformation” indicating the relationship between each specificinformation 2002 and common information 2001.

[0601] In the description of the embodiment, an informationrecording/playback apparatus and recording scheme for recording videoinformation, audio information, still picture information, and the likeon an information recording medium, and playing back information fromthe information recording medium have been described. However, thepresent invention is not limited to such specific apparatus and scheme,and the above embodiment can be similarly applied to a program languagehaving command expandability even on conventional program languages suchas “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like.

[0602] In this case,

[0603] an information processing apparatus (computer) corresponds to theinformation recording/playback apparatus;

[0604] a program (software) created according to conventional programlanguage rules such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like correspondsto common information 2001 complying with standards;

[0605] an HDD (hard disc drive) or an optical disc such as an MO,DVD-RAM, or the like, which records the program (software), correspondsto the information recording medium;

[0606] program (software) data created according to original commandinformation, which is created by the information processing apparatus(computer) and does not comply with conventional program language rulessuch as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like corresponds to specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer; and

[0607] a call command link command (anchor information) called betweenthe two programs (software) corresponds to link information 2003.

[0608] Furthermore, in this case, in the information content list of onelink information shown in FIG. 13A,

[0609] the information contents of drive manufacturer ID information(drive manufacturer name or the like) 2035 that can use specificinformation associated with this link information are changed to“manufacturer ID information 2035 of an information processing apparatus(computer) that can use specific information associated with this linkinformation”; and

[0610] model information 2073 that can use specific information ischanged to “model information 2073 of an information processingapparatus (computer) that can use specific information.

[0611] The outline of information recording by the information recordingapparatus (information recording/playback apparatus shown in FIG. 10)according to the present invention will be summarized below with the aidof FIG. 30.

[0612] As shown in FIG. 30, the information recording scheme of thepresent invention has a plurality of processes. The first process (ST1)records common information (2001) which can be commonly played back by aplurality of types of information playback apparatuses provided bydifferent manufacturers or distributors, and complies with commonstandards. The second process (ST2) records specific information (2002)which can be played back by only an information playback apparatus of aspecific type, which is provided by a specific manufacturer ordistributor. The third process (ST3) records link information (2003)indicating links between the common information and specificinformation.

[0613] The link information (2003) recorded in the third processcontains number information (2044) indicating the number of linkdesignation locations in the common information. Also, the linkinformation (2003) recorded in the third process contains at least oneID information (character code) of ID information (character codecorresponding to ID information) indicating the manufacturer of theinformation playback apparatus of the specific type, and ID information(character code corresponding to ID information) indicating thedistributor of the information playback apparatus of the specific type.Furthermore, the link information (2003) recorded in the third processincludes update history information.

[0614] The fourth process (ST4, ST5) records information indicating thatlink information has been updated in the update history information whenthe link information has been updated.

[0615] Each information mentioned above is recorded on the informationrecording medium by information recording/reproducing unit 101 servingas recording means. As a result, the common information, specificinformation, and link information are recorded on the informationrecording medium, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0616] The outline of information playback by the information recordingapparatus (information recording/playback apparatus shown in FIG. 10)according to the present invention will be summarized below with the aidof FIG. 31.

[0617] Note that the information recording medium to be played backcomprises first, second, and third areas, as shown in FIG. 12. The firstarea records common information (2001) which can be commonly played backby a plurality of types of information playback apparatuses provided bydifferent manufacturers or distributors, and complies with commonstandards. The second area records specific information (2002) which canbe played back by only an information playback apparatus of a specifictype, which is provided by a specific manufacturer or distributor. Thethird area records link information (2003), which indicates linksbetween the common information and specific information, and contains atleast one of ID information indicating the manufacturer of theinformation playback apparatus of the specific type, and ID informationindicating the distributor of the information playback apparatus of thespecific type.

[0618] The information playback apparatus of the specific type(information recording/playback apparatus shown in FIG. 10), which playsback the information recording medium to be played back comprises memory1534 serving as ID information storage means (character code memorymeans). Memory 1534 stores at least one ID information (character code)of ID information (character code corresponding to ID information)indicating the manufacturer of the information playback apparatus of thespecific type, and ID information (character code corresponding to IDinformation) indicating the distributor of the information playbackapparatus of the specific type.

[0619] As shown in FIG. 31, an information playback method of thepresent invention comprises a plurality of processes.

[0620] The first process (ST11) plays back a disc (plays back commoninformation and link information). The second process (ST12) compares IDinformation (character code corresponding to ID information) stored inmemory 1534 with ID information (character code corresponding to IDinformation) contained in the link information played back from theinformation recording medium. If it is confirmed in the third process(ST13) that these two pieces of ID information match each other,specific information is played back in the fourth process (ST14). Or ifit is confirmed in the third process (ST13) that these two charactercodes match each other, ID information stored in memory 1534 is comparedwith that contained in the link information played back from theinformation recording medium. If it is confirmed that these two piecesof ID information match each other, specific information is played backin the fourth process (ST14).

[0621] Each information mentioned above is played back from theinformation recording medium by information recording/reproducing unit101 serving as playback means.

[0622] The correspondence between the data structure built on theinformation recording medium and data shown in FIGS. 1A to 1F and FIGS.13A to 13C will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 32 to 35.

[0623] As shown in FIG. 32, a DVD_RTR directory is contained in a rootdirectory. The DVD_RTR directory contains RTR.IFO, RTR_MOV.VRO,RTR_STO.VRO, and RTR_STA.VRO. Furthermore, the RTR.IFO contains an RTRvideo manager (RTR_VMG). This RTR video manager (RTR_VMG) corresponds tocontrol information 1011 shown in FIG. 1D. The RTR_MOV.VRO correspondsto video objects 1012 shown in FIG. 1D, the RTR_STO.VRO to pictureobjects 1013 shown in FIG. 1D, and RTR_STA.VRO to audio objects 1014shown in FIG. 1D.

[0624] As shown in FIG. 33, the RTR video manager (RTR_VMG) contains RTRvideo manager information (RTR_VMGI), movie AV file information table(M_AVFIT), still picture AV file information table (S_AVFIT), originalPGC information (ORG_PGCI), user defined PGC information table(UD_PGCIT), test data manager (TXTDT_MG), and manufacturer's informationtable (MNFIT). Also, the RTR video manager information (RTR_VMGI)corresponds to video title set information 1106 shown in FIG. 1F. Themovie AV file information table (M_AVFIT) and still picture AV fileinformation table (S_AVFIT) correspond to video object information 1107shown in FIG. 1F. The original PGC information (ORG_PGCI) and userdefined PGC information table (UD PGCIT) correspond to PGC controlinformation 1103 and cell playback information 1108 shown in FIG. 1F.The manufacturer's information table (MNFIT) corresponds to linkinformation 2003 shown in. FIG. 12. This link information 2003 shown inFIG. 12 is contained in edit control information 1023 shown in FIG. 1E.

[0625] As shown in FIG. 34, the manufacturer's information table (MNFIT)contains the number of pieces of manufacturer's information,manufacturer's information #1 (MNFI#1), . . . , manufacturer'sinformation #n (MNFI#n). The number of pieces of manufacturer'sinformation-corresponds to number 2044 of link designation locations incommon information complying with standards shown in FIG. 13B.

[0626] Manufacturer's information #1 (MNFI#1) has a configuration shownin FIG. 35. MNF_ID corresponds to drive manufacturer ID information 2035shown in FIG. 13A. REC_TM corresponds to last recording/change time(date) information 2061 of link information shown in FIG. 13C.

[0627] According to the embodiment of the present invention describedabove, the following effects can be obtained.

[0628] (1) The present invention for the first time assures therecording location of information (original information other thancommon information 2001 complying with standards) originally created bythe manufacturer of an information recording/playback apparatus whichcan record/play back information on/from an information recording medium(recording area of specific information 2002) on the informationrecording medium. As a result, the manufacturer of the informationrecording/playback apparatus can record original information on theinformation recording medium without any restraints of the standards.

[0629] (1-1) The present invention for the first time assures therecording location (recording area of specific information 2002) ofprogram (software) data created according to original commandinformation, which does not comply with conventional program languagerules such as “C”, Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like by an informationprocessing apparatus (computer) on an information recording medium thatrecords program (software) data. As a result, in order to provide anoriginal function by the information processing apparatus (computer),program (software) information according to command information, whichdoes not comply with conventional program language rules such as “C”,Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like and is originally created by theinformation processing apparatus (computer) can be appended.

[0630] (2) Since original information other than common information 2001complying with standards can be recorded in the area of specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer,information corresponding to an original function set by themanufacturer of the information recording/playback apparatus can berecorded in the recording area of specific information 2002 withoutbeing limited by the functions set according to the conventionalstandards. Consequently, each manufacturer can provide its originalfunction to the information recording/playback apparatus, and this leadsto originality and differentiation among individual informationrecording/playback apparatuses. In this manner, development ofinformation recording/playback apparatuses in terms of functions basedon the principle of competition is expected.

[0631] (2-1) Since program (software) information according to commandinformation which does not comply with conventional program languagerules such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like and is originallycreated by an information processing apparatus (computer) can berecorded in the area of specific information 2002 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer, each manufacturer can provide its originalfunction to the information processing apparatus (computer), and thisleads to originality and differentiation among individual informationprocessing apparatuses (computers). Hence, development of informationprocessing apparatuses (computers) in terms of functions based on theprinciple of competition is expected.

[0632] (3) Since original information other than common information 2001complying with standards can be recorded in the area of specificinformation 2002 that can be used by only a specific manufacturer,information corresponding to an original function set by themanufacturer of the information recording/playback apparatus can berecorded in the recording area of specific information 2002 withoutbeing limited by the functions set according to the conventionalstandards. As a consequence, a new function can be added to aninformation recording/playback apparatus in quick response to advancesof the technologies as needed, and the functions of the informationrecording/playback apparatus can be advanced in correspondence with suchtechnological advances.

[0633] (3-1) Since program (software) information according to commandinformation which does not comply with conventional program languagerules such as “C”, “Visual C”, “JAVA”, or the like and is originallycreated by an information processing apparatus (computer) can berecorded in the area of specific information 2002 that can be used byonly a specific manufacturer, each manufacturer can provide its originalfunction to the information processing apparatus (computer). Hence, anew function can be added to an information processing apparatus(computer) in quick response to advances of the technologies as needed,and the functions of the information processing apparatus (computer) canbe advanced in correspondence with such technological advances.

[0634] (4) Since link information 2003 is provided, the relationshipbetween common information 2001 complying with standards and specificinformation upon use can be clarified. As a consequence, an informationplayback apparatus can use specific information 2002 without any errors.

[0635] (4-1) Since link information 2003 is provided, the relationshipbetween common information 2001 complying with standards and specificinformation upon use can be clarified. As a consequence, an informationprocessing apparatus (computer) can use specific information 2002without any errors.

[0636] (5) Since link information 2003 is provided and containsmanufacturer information or model information of an informationrecording/playback apparatus that can be used for each specificinformation 2002, the information recording/playback apparatus canautomatically determine usable specific information 2002 very easily. Asa result, in information recording/playback apparatuses manufactured byall the manufacturers, specific information 2002 can be utilized withoutany errors while assuring high reliability.

[0637] The present invention can provide the following informationrecording medium, information recording method and apparatus, andinformation playback method and apparatus:

[0638] (1) an information recording medium which allows to achievedifferentiation and originality of functions in units of models ofinformation playback apparatuses provided by different manufacturers ordistributors;

[0639] (2) an information recording method which records information onan information recording medium to be able to achieve differentiationand originality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

[0640] (3) an information recording apparatus which records informationon an information recording medium to be able to achieve differentiationand originality of functions in units of models of information playbackapparatuses provided by different manufacturers or distributors;

[0641] (4) an information playback method which plays back informationfrom an information recording medium on which information is recorded tobe able to achieve differentiation and originality of functions in unitsof models of information playback apparatuses provided by differentmanufacturers or distributors;

[0642] (5) an information playback apparatus which plays backinformation from an information recording medium on which information isrecorded to be able to achieve differentiation and originality offunctions in units of models of information playback apparatusesprovided by different manufacturers or distributors;

[0643] (6) an information recording medium which has a data structurewith high expandability of functions;

[0644] (7) an information recording method which records a datastructure with high expandability of functions on an informationrecording medium;

[0645] (8) an information recording apparatus which records a datastructure with high expandability of functions on an informationrecording medium;

[0646] (9) an information playback method which plays back informationfrom an information recording medium on which a data structure with highexpandability of functions on an information recording medium isrecorded; and

[0647] (10) an information playback apparatus which plays backinformation from an information recording medium on which a datastructure with high expandability of functions on an informationrecording medium is recorded.

[0648] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur tothose skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broaderaspects is not limited to the specific details and representativeembodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, variousmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

[0649] The present application claims priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. 10-221919 filed Aug. 5, 1998, U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/365,708, filed Aug. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. 6,215,746 andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/817,113, filed Mar. 27, 2001. Thecontents of those applications are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

1-4. (Canceled).
 5. An information recording medium, comprising: a recording area configured to store a managing file in which management information is stored, and an A/V file in which a video object is stored, said management information includes video object information for managing said video object, and program chain information, said program chain information including cell information representing at least one cell, the program chain information designating at least one cell reproduction order, a plurality of program chains can be set in said management information, and different ones of said plurality of program chains are able to set a same partial portion of said video object as a reproducing portion, said management information further includes a specific area in which manufacturer's information usable by a manufacturer is recorded, said manufacturer's information including recording time information which indicates a recorded time of said manufacturer's information, and said video object information is allocated to another hierarchically preceding area relative to said specific area.
 6. An information reproducing method for reproducing information recorded on an information recording medium, said information recording medium including, a recording area configured to store a managing file in which management information is stored, and an AIV file in which a video object is stored, said management information includes video object information for managing said video object, and program chain information, said program chain information including cell information representing at least one cell, the program chain information designating at least one cell reproduction order, a plurality of program chains can be set in said management information, and different ones of said plurality of program chains are able to set a same partial portion of said video object as a reproducing portion, said management information further includes a specific area in which manufacturer's information usable by a manufacturer is recorded, said manufacturer's information including recording time information which indicates a recorded time of said manufacturer's information, and said video object information is allocated to another hierarchically preceding area relative to said specific area, the information reproducing method comprising: reading said management information; and decoding said video object.
 7. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing information recorded on an information recording medium, said information recording medium including, a recording area configured to store a managing file in which management information is stored, and an A/V file in which a video object is stored, said management information includes video object information for managing said video object, and program chain information, said program chain information including cell information representing at least one cell, the program chain information designating at least one cell reproduction order, a plurality of program chains can be set in said management information, and different ones of said plurality of program chains are able to set a same partial portion of said video object as a reproducing portion, said management information further includes a specific area in which manufacturer's information usable by a manufacturer is recorded, said manufacturer's information including recording time information which indicates a recorded time of said manufacturer's information, and said video object information is allocated to another hierarchically preceding area relative to said specific area, the information reproducing apparatus comprising: means for reading said management information; and means for decoding said video object.
 8. An information recording method for recording information on an information recording medium, said information recording medium including, a recording area configured to store a managing file in which management information is stored, and an A/V file in which a video object is stored, said management information includes video object information for managing said video object, and program chain information, said program chain information including cell information representing at least one cell, the program chain information designating at least one cell reproduction order, a plurality of program chains can be set in said management information, and different ones of said plurality of program chains are able to set a same partial portion of said video object as a reproducing portion, said management information further includes a specific area in which manufacturer's information usable by a manufacturer is recorded, said manufacturer's information including recording time information which indicates a recorded time of said manufacturer's information, and said video object information is allocated to another hierarchically preceding area relative to said specific area, the information recording method comprising: recording said video object; and recording said management information. 